Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini combines the savory, comforting flavors of a classic chicken cordon bleu with the crispy, melty goodness of a panini. This sandwich is filled with tender chicken, and gooey Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a secret 3-ingredient sauce that adds extra flavor and crunch. It’s an easy, 15-minute meal that feels gourmet, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of sandwich bread (thick slices work best)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and sliced
- 1 tbsp garlic-herb seasoning (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Make the sauce: Mix the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl to create the sandwich spread.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread the sauce on both slices of bread. On one slice, layer the Swiss cheese, and cooked chicken slices.
- Grill the sandwich: Heat a panini press or griddle. If using a griddle, cook the sandwich in a skillet, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy, or press down with a heavy pan to mimic the panini effect.
- Serve: Once the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, remove from the heat and slice. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies: Include some sautéed spinach or caramelized onions for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño to spice things up.
- Cheese Swap: Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella to change the flavor profile.
- Use a different bread: Try ciabatta or sourdough for a different texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or use a panini press to restore the crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken works perfectly for this sandwich.
Can I make this sandwich without a panini press?
Absolutely! You can use a griddle or skillet to cook the sandwich. Press it down with a heavy pan to get that signature panini press effect.
What kind of bread is best for this sandwich?
Thick, sturdy bread like French bread, sourdough, or ciabatta works best for paninis. You want a bread that can hold up to the filling and grilling.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and use a vegetarian substitute like grilled vegetables or a plant-based protein.
How do I keep the sandwich crispy when reheating?
Reheat on a skillet or panini press to get the bread crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the bread soggy.
Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
It’s best to assemble and cook the sandwich fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time for quicker assembly.
Can I add other sauces to the sandwich?
Yes, you can try adding barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli for a different twist.
What side dishes go well with this sandwich?
It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or chips.
Can I freeze the sandwich?
It’s not ideal to freeze the sandwich once it’s cooked, but you can freeze the bread and fillings separately and assemble fresh later.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Of course! Cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack would be great alternatives to Swiss cheese.
Conclusion
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini is a fantastic sandwich that delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic dish in a quick and easy format. The crispy bread, savory chicken, and melted cheese, along with the flavorful sauce, make this sandwich a winner every time. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a casual meal, this panini will quickly become a favorite!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini Sandwich combines the crispy, golden goodness of a panini with the savory flavors of classic chicken cordon bleu. Packed with tender chicken, and gooey Swiss cheese, all topped with a simple yet flavorful mustard-mayo sauce, this easy 15-minute recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that feels gourmet.
Ingredients
2 slices of sandwich bread (thick slices work best)
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 slices Swiss cheese
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and sliced
1 tbsp garlic-herb seasoning (optional)
Instructions
-
Make the sauce: Mix the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a small bowl to create the sandwich spread.
-
Assemble the sandwich: Spread the sauce on both slices of bread. On one slice, layer the Swiss cheese, and cooked chicken slices.
-
Grill the sandwich: Heat a panini press or griddle. If using a griddle, cook the sandwich in a skillet, flipping halfway through until golden brown and crispy, or press down with a heavy pan to mimic the panini effect.
-
Serve: Once the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, remove from the heat and slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add sautéed spinach or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Spice things up with hot sauce or a slice of jalapeño.
Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella.
Try ciabatta or sourdough bread for a different texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American