Print

Chipotle chicken panini Panera

Chipotle chicken panini Panera tast

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This homemade chipotle chicken panini Panera copycat brings together grilled chicken breast, smoky chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, and juicy tomatoes layered between buttery, toasted focaccia bread or sourdough bread. Inspired by the original Panera Bread chipotle chicken sandwich, this version is bursting with flavor and can be customized with other classic touches like avocado or Italian-style breads.

Ingredients

Scale

Chipotle Mayo Sauce

  • 1 egg yolk

  • ¼ cup neutral-flavored oil (vegetable oil or similar)

  • 2 teaspoons lime juice

  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon honey

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Chipotle Chicken Panini

  • 1 chicken breast, sliced horizontally into two cutlets

  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp

  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese

  • 1 beefsteak tomato, sliced ¼-inch thick

  • 4 slices French, focaccia, sourdough, or Italian bread (½-inch thick)

  • Softened butter for grilling

Instructions

  • Make the Chipotle Mayo: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk, lime juice, and Dijon mustard. Slowly drizzle in the oil while whisking until emulsified. Stir in chipotle pepper, smoked paprika, honey, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to use.

  • Cook the Chicken: Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until cooked through and lightly golden.

  • Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread chipotle mayo on one side of each bread slice. Layer chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and tomato on the bottom slice. Top with the second slice, mayo side down.

  • Grill the Paninis: Butter the outside of the bread. Grill sandwiches in a panini press or skillet until golden and cheese is melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.

 

  • Serve Hot: Slice and serve immediately with your favorite side.

Notes

  • Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want more heat.

  • Try adding avocado to mirror the chipotle chicken avocado melt.

  • The mayo can be made up to 3 days in advance.

 

  • This recipe is inspired by the discontinued Panera Bread chipotle chicken panini and is a great way to send you a recovery from those menu cravings.

Nutrition