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–+ servings

Chicken-Pizziola Panini

This panini is what happens when pizza flavors decide they’re too good for a plate and demand to be pressed into a crispy handheld situation. Juicy grilled chicken, pepperoni, provolone, and sun-dried tomato spread do the heavy lifting—while green tea spiced pears show up like, “Yes, I *am* the sophisticated side dish.”
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Servings 4

EQUIPMENT (PAID LINKS)

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Bartlett pears peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 cups)
  • 1 cup brewed green tea
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 1 tablespoon ginger spice paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 chicken cutlets
  • 2 teaspoons parmesan blend seasoning
  • Cooking spray
  • 4 flatbread rounds panini-size
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato spread
  • 16 pepperoni slices
  • 4 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prep: Preheat a panini press or countertop grill to medium-high heat. Peel, core, and dice the pears into bite-size pieces.
  • Start the Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour in the brewed green tea and add the sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
  • Season the Pear Base: Stir in the golden raisins, ginger spice paste, and cinnamon. Let it simmer for about 1 minute so the raisins start to plump and the spices wake up.
  • Simmer the Pears: Add the diced pears and stir to coat. Simmer 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pears are tender but still hold their shape. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  • Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken cutlets evenly with the parmesan blend seasoning.
  • Grill the Chicken: Lightly coat the hot grill plates with cooking spray. Grill the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and slice if the pieces are large, so they layer neatly in the panini.
  • Build the Sandwiches: Open each flatbread and spread sun-dried tomato spread on the inside. Layer on sliced grilled chicken, pepperoni slices, and a slice of provolone cheese. Close each sandwich.
  • Press the Panini: If needed, carefully wipe the grill plates, then lightly spray the outside of the sandwiches with cooking spray. Grill 2 to 3 minutes, until the flatbread is crisp and the cheese is melted.
  • Serve: Slice each panini in half and serve with the green tea spiced pears on the side.