The Frontega Chicken Panini from Panera Bread features tender grilled chicken, smoky chipotle sauce, melted provolone cheese, and fresh red onions layered on toasted focaccia bread, delivering a flavorful, smoky, and satisfying crispy sandwich experience.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Panini press or sandwich press
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Bread knife
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cheese slicer or grater
- Tongs
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1 small red onion
- 1/2 cup chipotle mayonnaise
- 1 tomato
- 1–2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 loaf focaccia bread
Ensure the boneless, skinless chicken breasts are evenly sliced for uniform grilling and better texture. Use smoked paprika and garlic powder to replicate the smoky flavor characteristic of the Frontega Chicken Panini from Panera Bread. Fresh red onions and provolone cheese are essential for maintaining the authentic taste and melt consistency. Toast the focaccia bread before assembling to achieve the signature crispy texture. Your chipotle mayonnaise should be smooth and spicy to balance the sandwich's smoky and fresh flavors perfectly. This copycat Frontega Chicken Panini from Panera Bread offers a rewarding homemade alternative with bold, smoky notes and fresh, vibrant ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Rub chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill chicken breasts 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Slice focaccia loaf horizontally into sandwich-sized pieces.
- Slice red onion thinly.
- Slice tomato thinly.
- Slice or grate provolone cheese if needed.
- Spread chipotle mayonnaise on bottom half of focaccia bread.
- Layer grilled chicken slices over the chipotle mayo.
- Add provolone cheese slices on top of chicken.
- Layer red onion, tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves over cheese.
- Place top half of focaccia bread on sandwich.
- Preheat panini press or sandwich press.
- Place prepared sandwich in press and cook 3–5 minutes until bread is crisp and cheese is melted.
- Remove sandwich, slice with bread knife.
- Serve warm on a plate.
Substitution
The Frontega Chicken Panini copycat recipe from Panera Bread calls for focaccia bread, but you can substitute ciabatta or sourdough if focaccia is unavailable, as these breads also provide a crispy, hearty texture. When grilling the chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safety, and using a grill pan or an outdoor grill will give the signature char marks and smoky flavor. If you lack a panini press, press the sandwich firmly in a skillet using a heavy spatula or another pan on top to achieve a similar crispy finish. The chipotle mayonnaise can be crafted by mixing mayonnaise with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, offering flexibility in spice level based on your taste preferences. When slicing the red onion and tomato, use a sharp chef's knife to maintain even thickness, ensuring balanced flavors in every bite of your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking and tenderness. When grilling, maintain medium-high heat to achieve a smoky char without drying out the meat, and always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Thinly slice the onions and tomatoes to balance flavors and prevent overwhelming the sandwich. Use a panini press to crisp the focaccia bread and melt the provolone cheese evenly, resulting in a warm, satisfying texture that you'll enjoy with every bite.
Nutritions
The Frontega Chicken Panini offers a balanced nutrition profile with lean protein from grilled chicken breasts, supporting muscle repair and satiety. Provolone cheese adds calcium and vitamin D for bone health, while the chipotle mayonnaise contributes healthy fats enhancing absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Fresh vegetables like red onions, tomatoes, and basil provide antioxidants, vitamins A and C for immune support. Your meal combines complex flavors with nutrients that fuel your body efficiently.
Storage
To store your Frontega Chicken Panini, wrap the sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2 days for optimal taste and safety. When ready to eat, reheat the sandwich in a panini press or oven to restore the crispy texture and melted cheese experience.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute the focaccia bread with ciabatta or sourdough to introduce a different texture and flavor profile. Use smoked gouda or Monterey Jack cheese instead of provolone for a creamier and slightly tangier melt. Swap chipotle mayonnaise for a homemade spicy avocado spread to add creaminess and a fresh, healthful twist. To enhance smokiness, marinate the chicken in a blend of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and lime juice before grilling.
Allergies
The Frontega Chicken Panini contains dairy from provolone cheese, which may trigger allergies in individuals sensitive to milk. The sandwich also includes gluten from the focaccia bread, posing a risk for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. If you have food allergies, be cautious of ingredients like smoked paprika and chipotle mayonnaise, as they may contain additional allergens or irritants depending on their preparation.
Why this recipe?
Frontega Chicken Panini from Panera Bread excites taste buds with its tender chicken breast, smoky chipotle sauce, melted mozzarella, and fresh tomatoes, all pressed between rustic, artisan bread. The harmonious blend of spicy and savory flavors creates a satisfying and crave-worthy experience for your palate. Recreating this panini at home allows you to customize ingredient quality and portion size while enjoying a fresh, cost-effective alternative to dining out. Your kitchen becomes the place where restaurant-quality flavor meets convenience, making the copycat recipe truly worth trying.