Chicken Pesto Panini

A Chicken Pesto Panini is a warm, pressed Italian-style sandwich featuring grilled chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and melted cheese, typically served on ciabatta or focaccia. It's a popular café and deli staple that combines savory, herby, and creamy flavors in a satisfying, handheld meal.

🍳 View the full Chicken Pesto Panini recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This sandwich is generally high in protein from the chicken and cheese, with a moderate to high fat content from the pesto and melted cheese. A typical serving provides a good source of calcium and healthy fats from olive oil, with a rough calorie range of 450-600 per sandwich.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	650 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbs	45 g
Fat	38 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Calcium	250 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Vitamin A	150 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	8 mg
Vitamin K	70 mcg
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg
Folate	60 mcg DFE

Per 1 sandwich (approx. 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The panini format originated in Italy, where 'panino' simply means a small bread roll, and the pressing technique creates a uniquely crispy exterior. Nutritionally, the basil pesto offers antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a flavorful way to incorporate herbs and olive oil into a meal.