Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini
This Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini brings all the bold, smoky flavor of the original café favorite right to your kitchen. With juicy grilled chicken, melty mozzarella, tomatoes, red onions, fresh basil, and chipotle mayo pressed between golden, crispy focaccia, this sandwich is quick, comforting, and incredibly satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 paninis
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling, Pressing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Focaccia bread (or ciabatta, sliced horizontally)
- 1½ cups cooked grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, sliced or shredded
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
- 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tsp chipotle peppers in adobo (minced or pureed)
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and chipotle peppers until smooth.
- Slice the focaccia and spread chipotle mayo on both the top and bottom halves.
- Layer grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomato, red onion, and fresh basil on the bottom half.
- Close the sandwich and press lightly. Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or melted butter.
- Cook in a panini press or skillet (with a heavy pan on top) for 3–4 minutes per side, until bread is crisp and cheese is melted.
- Let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Use provolone or smoked gouda for a different cheesy flavor.
- Focaccia or ciabatta works best, but sourdough and baguettes hold up well too.
- Add roasted red peppers for an extra layer of smoky sweetness.
- Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayo for a lighter chipotle spread.
- Assemble ingredients ahead and grill just before serving for best texture.
Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/copycat-panera-frontega-chicken-panini/
