Rosemary Chicken, Avocado and Pancetta Panini

Rosemary Chicken, Avocado and Pancetta Panini Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 3 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 24

Introduction

This Rosemary Chicken, Avocado, and Pancetta Panini recipe is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The combination of flavors and textures in this panini make it a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of the panini can be traced back to Italy, where it is a popular sandwich made with Italian bread, cheese, and various fillings. The addition of rosemary chicken, avocado, and pancetta to the traditional panini creates a unique and flavorful twist on this classic dish.

Ingredients

24 5 oz (142 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
olive oil - as needed
rosemary, finely chopped - as needed
12 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 lb (1.36 kg) california avocados
0.33 cup lemon juice
salt and pepper - as needed
48 focaccia pieces (about 4" x 5" each)
0.75 cup lemon aioli*
3 lb (1.36 kg) tomatoes, thinly sliced
24 pancetta slices, fried crisp**
arugula leaves - as needed
*Stir 1 tbsp finely chopped lemon zest into 1-0.5 cup aioli; let stand 1 hour to marry flavors.
**Two thick slices of bacon, fried, may be substituted per sandwich.

How to prepare

METHOD:
Pound the chicken breast halves to an even thickness of about 0.38 inch.
Lightly coat each piece with olive oil and rub each with some of the rosemary and garlic.
Marinate the chicken for 3 hours in the refrigerator.
JUST BEFORE SERVICE:
Roughly mash the avocado and stir in the lemon juice. Set aside. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Grill the chicken until it is just firm to the touch, about 2 minutes per side. Set aside.
PER ORDER:
Spread 1 piece of focaccia with 0.25 cup of the avocado mixture and spread another piece with 0.5 tbsp of lemon aioli. Set aside. Layer the avocado with sliced tomato, 1 piece of chicken, 1 slice of pancetta, and arugula leaves. Top with the remaining piece of focaccia, aioli side down. Lightly coat a hot frying pan with olive oil. Pan grill the sandwich, lightly pressing it down with a spatula, until the focaccia is browned. Turn and repeat the procedure. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally.

Variations

Substitute turkey bacon for the pancetta for a lighter option.
Add a slice of cheese, such as provolone or mozzarella, for an extra layer of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to marinate the chicken for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Grilling the chicken until it is just firm to the touch will ensure that it is cooked through but still juicy.

- Pan grilling the sandwich with a little olive oil will give it a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this panini with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken and pan grilling the sandwich will give it a delicious charred flavor and crispy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have focaccia bread, you can use ciabatta or another sturdy bread for the sandwich.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the avocado mixture ahead of time to save time when assembling the sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the panini in half diagonally and serve it on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This panini pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover panini in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place it in a toaster oven or a hot frying pan until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this panini contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this panini contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this panini contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this panini contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This panini is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium from the avocado and tomatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the focaccia bread and may contain dairy if using aioli.

Summary

This Rosemary Chicken, Avocado, and Pancetta Panini is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious and delicious option for lunch or dinner.

Summary

This Rosemary Chicken, Avocado, and Pancetta Panini is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a flavorful combination of ingredients and a crispy exterior, this panini is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Rosemary Chicken, Avocado and Pancetta Panini. It was a warm summer day, and I was strolling through the bustling farmers market in town, picking up fresh produce and chatting with the local farmers. As I made my way through the market, the smell of sizzling pancetta and rosemary wafted through the air, drawing me towards a small food stall tucked away in a corner.

I couldn't resist the urge to see what was cooking, so I wandered over to the stall and found a friendly chef grilling up the most delicious-looking paninis I had ever seen. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy avocado, crispy pancetta, and fragrant rosemary was simply irresistible. I struck up a conversation with the chef, who was happy to share the recipe with me.

He told me that he had learned the recipe from his grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. The secret, he said, was in the marinade for the chicken - a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh rosemary that infused the meat with incredible flavor. He also shared his technique for perfectly crisping up the pancetta and toasting the bread to golden perfection.

I was so inspired by the chef's passion for cooking and the love he poured into each sandwich that I knew I had to recreate this dish at home. I rushed back to my kitchen, eager to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients - a plump chicken breast, ripe avocados, thick slices of pancetta, fresh rosemary, crusty ciabatta bread, and a few other pantry staples - and got to work.

I started by marinating the chicken in the fragrant rosemary-infused marinade, letting it sit for a few hours to soak up all the flavors. While the chicken was marinating, I cooked the pancetta until it was crispy and golden brown, then set it aside to cool. Next, I sliced the avocados and drizzled them with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Once everything was prepped and ready to go, I fired up the grill pan and cooked the chicken until it was juicy and tender, with a nice charred exterior. I also toasted the bread until it was warm and crispy, ready to be piled high with all the delicious ingredients.

As I assembled the paninis, layering on the grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, creamy avocado slices, and a generous sprinkle of fresh rosemary, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of the chef's grandmother passing down this recipe through the generations. I felt a connection to her, to all the grandmothers who had lovingly cooked for their families and shared their recipes with the world.

When the paninis were ready, I sliced them in half and served them up to my family, who eagerly dug in and devoured every last bite. The combination of flavors and textures was absolutely divine - the juicy chicken, creamy avocado, crispy pancetta, and fragrant rosemary all coming together in perfect harmony.

From that day on, Rosemary Chicken, Avocado and Pancetta Panini became a staple in our household, a recipe that I would make again and again, always with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude for the chef who had shared it with me. And as I passed the recipe on to my own grandchildren, I knew that it would become a cherished family tradition, a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in a simple, homemade meal.