Hearty Chicken Panini Sandwich
On nights when I don’t feel like making a big dinner, sandwiches like this are usually what end up on the table. This Chicken Panini Sandwich is quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients, but once everything is warm and pressed into crispy ciabatta, it’s definitely not your average sandwich!
Made with sliced chicken breast, tartar sauce, gooey melted cheese, juicy tomatoes, dill pickles, and a crusty ciabatta bun, this sandwich has the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savoury flavours. Once pressed in the panini maker, the bread turns beautifully crisp while everything inside becomes warm and delicious.
Why Use Tartar Sauce?
I’ve always thought tartar sauce deserved better than only being served with fish. It was actually one of my dad’s favourite condiments growing up, so it ended up on all kinds of things in our house. Fries, sandwiches, burgers… honestly, if it could be dipped or spread onto something, there was a good chance tartar sauce was involved. The creamy tanginess works so well with the chicken and dill pickles in this hearty panini sandwich, and for me it adds a little bit of nostalgia along with all the flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Panini Sandwich
- prep time is minimal
- crispy golden ciabatta with warm, flavourful filling
- quick and easy to make
- great way to use leftover chicken breast
- the tartar sauce and dill pickles add the best tangy flavour
- perfect for lunch, dinner, or even game day
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ciabatta buns
- sliced or diced chicken breast
- tartar sauce
- dill pickle slices
- tomato slices
- havarti cheese slices
How To Make A Chicken Panini Sandwich
Be sure to see full ingredient list and instructions on the printable recipe card below
Start by preheating your panini press (not an affiliate link)
- slice the ciabatta buns in half and spread tartar sauce onto bottom slice of the bun.
- layer the sliced chicken breast, a slice of cheese, dill pickle slices, and tomato slices onto the bottom half of the bun before placing the top piece of bread over everything.
- place the sandwich into the hot panini press and grill until the bread is golden brown and crisp, the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Tips For The Best Panini Sandwich
- Use a sturdy bread like ciabatta that holds up well in the panini press
- Pat the tomato slices dry slightly so the sandwich doesn’t become soggy
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe
- Don’t overfill the sandwich or it can become difficult to press evenly
- Serve with kettle chips, fries, or a simple salad for an easy meal
Variations
This Chicken Sandwich is so easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.
- try it with other sliced cheese such as mozzarella, monetary jack or old cheddar
- use crusty Italian bread instead of Ciabatta buns
- add crispy bacon
- add some sliced red onion or roasted red peppers
- A little hot sauce for heat
- use basil pesto mixed with a bit of mayonnaise instead of tarter sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken panini sandwiches alongside crispy dijon roasted potatoes or no bake baked bean salad. Or make it super simple and serve them with kettle cooked potato chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a panini press?
Absolutely. Simply cook the sandwich in a skillet and press it down gently with another heavy pan or spatula while grilling each side until golden brown.
What kind of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken breast works well here. Leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even deli-style sliced chicken are all great options.
Storage and Reheating
These sandwiches are best enjoyed the immediately after they have been made, however if you have leftovers (they are filling and you may only want half at a time!), allow to cool and place in a ziplock bag or air tight container and store in the fridge for up to one day. Reheat in panini press or wrap in foil and reheat in the oven.
Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or an easy weeknight dinner, this sandwich is a perfect meal when you are looking for something easy but more hearty than a simple sandwich.
Chicken Panini Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 panini press or regular non-stick pan for heating on stove top
Ingredients
- 1 large ciabatta bun, split
- 3 tablespoons tarter sauce
- 2 large tomato slices, patted dry
- 2-3 dill pick slices
- ¾ cup thinly sliced or shredded cooked chicken
- 2 slices Havarti cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Panini Press
- Spread tartar sauce evenly over the bottom half of the split ciabatta bun. Add tomato slices and then dill pickle slices, and arrange chicken pieces over top. Top the chicken with havarti cheese slices. Place top of ciabatta bun on top.
- Transfer to panini press and close, pressing to heat until cheese is melted and ciabatta bun is golden.
