The Panini is a great way to indulge in a delicious meal with fewer calories than a regular sandwich. You can really add any kind of meat and veggies you’d like, but the ingredients below make up the classic tomato, mozzarella and basil Panini. I chose to add pan-seared chicken to mine, but feel free to be creative!
| Ingredients | ||
| Italian Bread | Red Pepper | Tomato |
| Fresh Mozzarella | Basil | Sun Dried Tomatoes |
| Pesto | Chicken Breast |
Step 1: Chop your red pepper into thin strips and saute in about 1 Tbsp. water in pan on medium heat until slightly charred.
 |
 |
Step 2: Chop chicken breast into thin strips–enough to cover your Panini. Season with some fresh ground pepper, Italian seasoning, etc. Put chicken in the same pan that the red peppers were in and add another 1-2 Tbsp. water or low sodium chicken broth. Cook on medium heat until chicken is white inside (cut a piece open to make sure it is cooked).
 |
 |
Step 3: While chicken is cooking, carefully chop all of your fresh ingredients: tomato, basil and mozzarella.
 |
 |
 |
Step 4: Hollow out your bread and spread lightly with pesto.
 |
 |
Step 5: You should now have all of your toppings ready for your Panini. Start by adding chicken, and then add your desired amount of remaining ingredients.
 |
 |
 |
Step 6: Spray a little bit of cooking spray into the same pan you used for the red peppers and the chicken. Put your finished Panini into the pan and press down on the top of the Panini with your spatula to toast it. After about 30 seconds, lift your Panini up and spray more cooking spray into the pan. Next, carefully flip your Panini so that the opposite side will be in contact with the pan. Once again, press down on the top with your spatula for about 30 seconds to toast it.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Step 7: Voila! Your finished Panini should look something like this. Add your favorite veggie on the side to complete this delicious meal.
 |
 |
