🧀🧄🍗 THREE-CHEESE GARLIC CHICKEN PANINI
Crispy, melty, garlicky perfection pressed between golden bread
A Three-Cheese Garlic Chicken Panini is the kind of sandwich that feels indulgent but deeply satisfying. Juicy seasoned chicken, three complementary cheeses melted into one luscious layer, and fragrant garlic butter all pressed inside crusty bread until golden and crisp. It’s bold, comforting, and worthy of a café menu—but easy enough to make at home.
This recipe focuses on layering flavors and textures, which is the true secret behind an unforgettable panini.
📝 INGREDIENTS (makes 4 paninis)
For the garlic chicken
- 500 g (1.1 lb) chicken breast, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
The three cheeses (perfect balance)
- 150 g mozzarella, sliced or shredded (for meltiness)
- 100 g provolone or mild cheddar, sliced (for stretch and depth)
- 60 g parmesan, finely grated (for sharp, savory punch)
For the garlic butter
- 60 g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, very finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pinch of salt
Bread & extras
- 4 large panini rolls, ciabatta, or focaccia (sliced horizontally)
- Optional additions: caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, baby spinach
🍗 STEP 1: PREPARE THE GARLIC CHICKEN
Start with flavor—this is where the soul of the panini is built.
- Place the sliced chicken in a bowl.
- Add olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Mix thoroughly until every piece is well coated.
- Let marinate for 15–30 minutes (even 10 minutes helps).
👉 Thin chicken cooks faster and stays juicy inside the panini.
🍳 STEP 2: COOK THE CHICKEN
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook the chicken in a single layer for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Resting keeps the chicken juicy and prevents soggy sandwiches.
🧄🧈 STEP 3: MAKE THE GARLIC BUTTER
In a small bowl:
- Combine softened butter, garlic, parsley, and salt.
- Mix until smooth and fragrant.
This garlic butter is what gives the panini its irresistible aroma and crisp golden crust.
🧀 STEP 4: CHEESE STRATEGY (VERY IMPORTANT)
Each cheese has a role:
- Mozzarella = creamy melt
- Provolone / Cheddar = body and stretch
- Parmesan = bold umami flavor
Grate or slice everything ahead of time so assembly is quick and smooth.
🥪 STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE PANINI
- Slice the bread horizontally.
- Spread garlic butter on the outside of each slice.
- On the inside bottom half, layer:
- Mozzarella
- Cooked chicken
- Provolone or cheddar
- A sprinkle of parmesan
- Add any optional vegetables.
- Close the sandwich.
👉 Cheese on both sides helps “glue” the sandwich together.
🔥 STEP 6: PRESS & COOK
Using a panini press (best option)
- Preheat the press.
- Cook the panini for 4–6 minutes, until deeply golden and cheese is fully melted.
Using a skillet (no press)
- Heat a heavy pan over medium heat.
- Place the panini in the skillet.
- Press with another heavy pan on top.
- Cook 3–4 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
Lower heat if the bread browns too fast.
❄️ STEP 7: REST & SLICE
Remove from heat and let rest 1–2 minutes before slicing.
This allows the cheese to set slightly and keeps everything from sliding out.
🧀 FLAVOR & TEXTURE EXPERIENCE
Every bite delivers:
- Crispy, buttery bread
- Juicy garlic-seasoned chicken
- Stretchy, gooey cheese
- A savory parmesan finish
It’s rich, bold, and totally crave-worthy.
💡 PRO CHEF TIPS
- Use room-temperature cheese for faster melting.
- Don’t overload the sandwich—balance is key.
- Brush garlic butter generously but evenly.
- Keep heat medium to avoid burning before melting.
🔄 DELICIOUS VARIATIONS
🔥 Spicy Kick
Add chili flakes or spicy pepper jack.
🍄 Mushroom Lover
Add sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions.
🥬 Lighter Version
Use whole-grain bread and reduced-fat mozzarella.
🌱 Vegetarian
Swap chicken for grilled zucchini or portobello mushrooms.
🍽 WHAT TO SERVE WITH IT
This panini pairs beautifully with:
- Tomato soup
- Crispy fries or wedges
- Side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Pickles or coleslaw
🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS
The Three-Cheese Garlic Chicken Panini is everything a hot sandwich should be: bold, melty, crispy, and comforting. It’s café-quality food made at home, and once you master it, you’ll crave it often.