Chicken Pesto Peach Panini

This Chicken Pesto Peach Panini is the perfect summer panini filled with pesto, sweet peaches, juicy chicken and lots of melting cheese. Fresh, fabulous and so full of flavor!

Simple and Scrumptious

Chewy ciabatta covered in a thick layer of pesto, juicy grilled chicken, sweet peaches and fresh basil all covered in shredded, melting mozzarella. This Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini is so simple and so scrumptious! The flavors all fit so perfectly together and the peaches just complete it! So take advantage of all the freshness that summer currently has to offer and grill up this amazing panini. You’ll be so pleased!

Summer’s Favorite Sandwich

This sandwich screams summer! It came to life one day when I opened the fridge looking for something for lunch. We had a little of this and a little of that, so I took out what sounded yummy and laid it all out on the counter. I had a loaf of ciabatta, some leftover grilled chicken, a container of fresh made basil pesto, and lots and lots of sweet juicy peaches. It was between a lunch salad or a sandwich and I’m so thankful I went the sandwich route!

I love paninis, so grilling the sandwich was a no-brainer. I used a grill pan since Brandon wasn’t home to strike up the grill and it turned out amazing! You could use the grill, a grill pan or your panini press and this delicious warm sandwich will turn out great – complete with perfect grill marks on the bottom and top of the sandwich! Be sure to use nonstick spray so your bread comes away easy.

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

• Ciabatta demi-baguette: ciabatta has a soft, moist, chewy texture that lends itself perfectly to grilling and toasting. You can substitute with a fresh baguette, focaccia or sough dough.
• Fresh or jarred basil pesto: adds an earthy, herby, nutty flavor to complement the sweetness of the peach. Try my homemade basil pesto or use your favorite store-bought pesto brand.
• Grilled chicken breast (thinly sliced): makes the panini hearty and satisfying while adding savory flavor and protein. You can also use rotisserie chicken or pan seared chicken tenderloins.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: adds creamy, mild richness and melts around the other ingredients to help hold everything together. Freshly shredded cheese melts better, but pre-shredded will work just fine.
• Large peach: the heat of the grill brings out the juicy sweetness and freshness that balances the savory chicken, pesto, and cheese.
• Fresh basil leaves: adds a pop of fresh, aromatic basil flavor that reinforces the pesto and complements the peach.
• Butter: helps the outside of the ciabatta become crisp, golden, and flavorful as the panini grills.

Supplies:

• Grill, grill pan or panini press

How to Make a Chicken Pesto Peach Panini

• Slice ciabatta in half lengthwise.
• Spread one tablespoon of pesto on the bottom half of the bread. Place the sliced chicken evenly across the pesto.
• Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese.
• Place the sliced peaches evenly across the bread.

• Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Space fresh basil evenly across the cheese. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread.

• Cut in half.
• Brush with butter. Place on the grill, grill pan, or in a panini press and press down firmly so the sandwich mashes together. Cook over moderate heat, turning once, until bread is toasted and cheese is melting, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Serve hot and enjoy!

If you make my Chicken Pesto Peach Panini and post a pic to social, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see! If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the recipes and ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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