Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

Chipotle chicken panini Panera is a beloved sandwich known for its smoky, savory flavor and melty, grilled perfection. Made with juicy chicken breast, creamy chipotle sauce using chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, and layered on hearty focaccia bread or sourdough bread, this copycat recipe brings the classic Panera Bread chipotle chicken experience right to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

There’s a reason the Chipotle chicken panini Panera became such a standout on the menu—it’s the perfect harmony of bold flavors and comforting textures. This toasted chipotle chicken panini sandwich brings together tender chicken breast, creamy chipotle mayo made with chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, and your choice of crisp focaccia bread, sourdough bread, or other hearty Italian breads. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Panera Bread chipotle chicken or the upgraded chipotle chicken avocado melt, this recipe offers a homemade version that truly satisfies.

Why you’ll love it:

1. Bold, smoky flavor that mirrors the original with a touch of homemade richness
2. Versatile bread options like focaccia bread, sourdough, or rustic Italian breads give it a gourmet edge
3. Customizable with ingredients like avocado or inspired by the Frontega chicken panini
4. A perfect way to send you a recovery from craving the discontinued chipotle chicken panini Panera took off the menu

Ingredients for Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

To recreate the bold and savory flavor of the Chipotle chicken panini Panera, you’ll need simple ingredients that come together to deliver that warm, smoky, grilled perfection. Whether you’re going for a traditional chipotle chicken panini sandwich, a twist inspired by the chipotle chicken avocado melt, or something that channels the richness of the Frontega chicken panini, these ingredients will help send you a recovery from the loss of your favorite Panera Bread chipotle chicken meal.

For the Chipotle Mayo Sauce

This creamy, smoky spread is what gives the panini its signature flavor—just like chipotle pepper in adobo sauce is key to the original.

• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup neutral-flavored oil (such as vegetable oil)
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Chipotle Chicken Panini

• 1 chicken breast, sliced in half horizontally for quicker cooking
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 4 slices French bread, focaccia bread, sourdough bread, or any sturdy Italian breads, sliced ½-inch thick
• Softened butter (for grilling)

These ingredients combine to make a homemade version of the Panera chipotle chicken panini that’s satisfying, balanced, and completely adaptable to your taste.

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How to Make Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

Recreating the iconic chipotle chicken panini Panera at home is easier than you might think, and the reward is a rich, flavorful chipotle chicken panini sandwich that tastes just like the original. With bold ingredients like chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, tender chicken breast, and perfectly toasted focaccia bread or sourdough bread, you’ll have a satisfying meal that brings back memories of the classic Panera Bread chipotle chicken favorite. Whether you’re craving the original or inspired by the chipotle chicken avocado melt, this method will send you a recovery from those discontinued menu items.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Mayo
In a mixing bowl, combine one finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, ¼ cup neutral oil, 1 egg yolk, 2 teaspoons lime juice, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until creamy and well blended. Chill until ready to use.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Breast
Season your sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear on medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread and Fillings
Choose your bread—focaccia bread, sourdough bread, or other sturdy Italian breads. Spread a generous amount of chipotle mayo on one side of each slice.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
Layer grilled chicken, crispy bacon, slices of sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh tomato on the bottom slice. Top with the second slice of bread, mayo side facing inward.

Step 5: Grill the Panini
Lightly butter the outer sides of the bread. Place in a preheated panini press or grill pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes, pressing gently until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove from heat, let it rest for a minute, then slice diagonally. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

This sandwich captures everything people loved about the Panera Bread chipotle chicken panini, with the added benefit of being fully customizable at home. If you enjoyed the Frontega chicken panini, the more recent chipotle chicken avocado melt, or even the classic Sierra Turkey Sandwich from Panera, this version brings the same comfort and flavor right to your table.

Tips for Success

Creating a delicious chipotle chicken panini Panera copycat at home is all about attention to detail and a few simple techniques that elevate the flavor and texture. Whether you’re using classic focaccia bread, hearty sourdough bread, or another type of Italian bread, these tips will help you recreate that perfect grilled finish and bold flavor of the original Panera Bread chipotle chicken sandwich. If you’re craving the layers of smoky, melty satisfaction found in the chipotle chicken avocado melt or even the Frontega chicken panini, these suggestions will send you a recovery straight to your tastebuds.

• Use quality bread: Choose sturdy options like focaccia bread, sourdough bread, or rustic Italian breads that can hold up to the heat and fillings without getting soggy.
• Grill the chicken breast properly: A quick pan-sear or grill creates a juicy interior with flavorful browning on the outside. Don’t overcook.
• Control the chipotle flavor: Start with a small amount of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and adjust to taste. It’s powerful and sets the tone for the entire sandwich.
• Press evenly: Whether using a panini press or skillet, make sure pressure is evenly applied so the chipotle chicken panini sandwich grills uniformly and the cheese melts through.

Equipment Needed for Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

To successfully recreate the chipotle chicken panini Panera experience at home, a few key kitchen tools will help you achieve that crisp exterior, melty center, and layered flavor reminiscent of the original Panera Bread chipotle chicken offering. These tools make it easy to handle everything from searing the chicken breast to assembling your sandwich on focaccia bread, sourdough, or other classic Italian breads. Whether you’re replicating the bold taste of the chipotle chicken avocado melt or crafting your version of the Frontega chicken panini, this equipment list will send you a recovery from fast food cravings.

• Panini press or grill pan: Essential for achieving the golden, crisp crust and melty interior that defines a great chipotle chicken panini sandwich.
• Cast iron or nonstick skillet: Ideal for cooking the chicken breast evenly and with great texture.
• Mixing bowl: For preparing your homemade chipotle mayo using chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
• Spatula or sandwich press weight: Helps press the panini if you’re not using a panini press.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: Necessary for prepping ingredients like tomatoes, chicken, and slicing your Italian breads to the right thickness.

Variations – Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

One of the joys of making your own chipotle chicken panini Panera at home is the freedom to experiment with flavors and ingredients. While the original Panera Bread chipotle chicken sandwich featured bold chipotle mayo, tender chicken breast, and melted cheese, there’s plenty of room to tailor this sandwich to your tastes. From switching up the bread to playing with fillings inspired by other Panera classics like the chipotle chicken avocado melt or frontega chicken panini, these variations will send you a recovery from mealtime routine.

• Avocado Upgrade: Add sliced avocado for a creamy twist similar to the chipotle chicken avocado melt.
• Bread Swap: Use sourdough bread for a tangy crunch, or go with traditional focaccia bread or other Italian breads for added flavor and texture.
• Cheese Choices: Swap cheddar for smoked gouda or mozzarella for a mild, creamy bite.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce in your mayo to dial the heat up or down based on your preference.

Serving Suggestions – Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

A well-made chipotle chicken panini Panera deserves to be served with the same care that goes into its preparation. Whether you’re enjoying this sandwich solo or building out a full meal, pairing it with the right sides will enhance the experience. With its bold, smoky flavor from chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and savory chicken breast on toasted focaccia bread or sourdough bread, this chipotle chicken panini sandwich works well with both light and hearty accompaniments. Just like at the café, you can create a plate that delivers comfort and balance in every bite.

• Side Salad: A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
• Soup Pairing: A bowl of tomato basil or black bean soup echoes the warmth and heartiness of the classic Panera Bread chipotle chicken meal.
• Roasted Veggies: Add color and depth with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or zucchini.
• Crispy Chips or Fries: Simple but satisfying, they provide the perfect crunch alongside your melty chipotle chicken panini sandwich.

Each serving suggestion complements the spicy, smoky profile of this sandwich and offers a complete, satisfying meal that could rival anything from the original Panera menu.

FAQs – Chipotle Chicken Panini Panera

1. How many calories are in a Chipotle Chicken Panini from Panera?
The original Panera Bread chipotle chicken panini contained approximately 800 to 850 calories per sandwich, depending on exact portion sizes and ingredients used, such as the type of cheese and bread.

2. How many calories are in the Panera Bread Chipotle Chicken Panini copycat recipe?
This homemade chipotle chicken panini sandwich contains about 610–650 calories per serving when made with grilled chicken breast, sharp cheddar, bacon, and focaccia bread, plus the homemade chipotle mayo using chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

3. How do you make Panera Bread Chipotle Chicken Panini at home?
To recreate the chipotle chicken panini Panera, grill a seasoned chicken breast, prepare a chipotle mayo with chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, then layer with cheddar, bacon, and tomato on sourdough bread or Italian breads like focaccia bread. Grill until golden and melted through.

4. Can I customize the sandwich to be like the Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt or Frontega Chicken Panini?
Yes, you can add sliced avocado for a creamy layer like the chipotle chicken avocado melt, or use fresh mozzarella and basil to mirror the frontega chicken panini. Try different Italian breads to personalize the texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This homemade version of the chipotle chicken panini Panera is more than just a sandwich—it’s a chance to recreate a beloved classic with fresh ingredients, rich flavor, and your own custom twist. Whether you layer it on focaccia bread, sourdough bread, or another hearty Italian bread, it offers everything fans loved about the Panera Bread chipotle chicken original. If you’ve been missing it, this recipe will send you a recovery worth savoring.