Looking for an easy and delicious lunchtime meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings? Look no further than the Chicken, Brie, and Cranberry Panini! This classic sandwich is a crowd-pleasing favorite thanks to its savory combination of tender chicken, creamy Brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it’s also quick and easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or for whipping up a satisfying weekend brunch. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself why the Chicken, Brie, and Cranberry Panini is a must-have recipe for any food lover!
Here is why you might love this Chicken, Brie, and Cranberry Panini Recipe
1. The combination of chicken, brie, and cranberry is a delicious taste sensation that is both savory and sweet.
2. This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect choice for a tasty lunch or dinner.
3. The crispy, golden-brown crust of the panini bread and melted brie cheese adds a delightful texture to this sandwich.
Chicken, Brie, and Cranberry Panini Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 slices ciabatta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups (284 g) shredded chicken breast cooked
- 1/2 cup (142 g) cranberry sauce
- 8 oz (226.8 g) brie cheese sliced
- 1/4 cup (6.1 g) fresh basil leaves chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Gather ingredients: bread, olive oil, cooked chicken breast, cranberry sauce, brie cheese, basil leaves, salt, and pepper (and butter or mayonnaise, if desired).
- Preheat a panini press or grill.
- Brush one side of each bread slice with olive oil.
- Layer cooked chicken onto half of the bread slices.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the chicken.
- Top with brie slices and chopped basil.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices, oiled side out.
- Optional: spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread slices.
- Grill sandwiches in a panini press or grill until the bread is golden, the cheese is melted, and the filling is heated through.
Notes
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Main Ingredients Explained
| Ingredient | Description | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Cooked and sliced chicken breast | Turkey, ham, or vegetarian meat alternative |
| Brie | Soft cheese with a slightly nutty taste and rind | Camembert, goat cheese, or cream cheese |
| Cranberry | Dried, fresh, or canned cranberries, often sweetened | Cherry preserves, raspberry jam, or sliced strawberries |
Storage Tips
Typically, cooked chicken will last in the fridge for 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. As for freezing, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 4 months if stored properly in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
When storing in the fridge or freezer, make sure the chicken is fully cooled before you store it. You can separate it into portion sizes so you can defrost only what you need.
To defrost the chicken, it is best to transfer the container or freezer bag from the freezer to the fridge for several hours or overnight. Putting the frozen chicken inside the fridge allows it to thaw slowly and safely. If you need to defrost it more quickly, you can use the microwave, but it’s important to be careful not to cook the chicken during the process.
Recipe Variations
1. Turkey, Gouda, and Apple Panini – Substitute the chicken with roasted turkey, brie with gouda cheese, and add sliced apples for sweetness and crunch.
2. Ham, Swiss, and Pineapple Panini – Switch the chicken with thinly sliced ham, brie with Swiss cheese, and add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.
3. Bacon, Cheddar, and Tomato Panini – Swap the chicken for crispy bacon, brie for sharp cheddar cheese, and add sliced tomatoes for freshness.
4. Roast Beef, Blue Cheese, and Caramelized Onion Panini – Use thinly sliced roast beef, blue cheese instead of brie, and top with caramelized onions for a bold and savory flavor.
5. Grilled Eggplant, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Red Pepper Panini – For a vegetarian option, use grilled eggplant instead of chicken, goat cheese instead of brie, and add roasted red peppers for a smoky and tangy flavor.
What To Serve With
1. Sweet potato fries
2. Salad (such as arugula or mixed greens)
3. Roasted vegetables (such as butternut squash or Brussels sprouts)
4. Soup (such as tomato or butternut squash)
5. Chips or crackers with dip (such as hummus or spinach-artichoke)
6. Fruit salad or sliced fruit (such as apples or pears)
7. A glass of white wine or sparkling apple cider.
We are dedicated to providing the best and most effective meal plans to help you stay on track with your goals. Our team constantly tests and experiments with different recipes and approaches to ensure our offerings are of the highest quality. We also collaborate with a network of nutrition and data experts from around the globe to bring you innovative and advanced meal plans.