Chicken and Avocado Panini


 Cuisine: American  Type: Sandwich/Wrap

Chicken and Avocado Panini : Sandwich/Wrap in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Chicken Breast
2 pieces (400)
Avocado
1 piece (200)
Bread Slices
4 slices (120)
Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (30)
Lettuce Leaves
4 leaves (40)
Tomato
1 piece (150)
Cheese Slices
2 slices (60)
Butter
2 tablespoons (30)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
 Totals
37 oz (1,040 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Chicken Breast
165
Avocado
234
Bread
79
Cheese
113
Mayonnaise
94
Butter
102
Salt
0
Pepper
0
 Totals
787 kcal

 Steps 


Step 1: Preheat a panini press or a grill pan.

Step 2: Slice the chicken breast into thin, even pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. Set aside.

Step 4: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Slice the avocado into thin, even slices.

Step 5: Take two slices of bread and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice.

Step 6: Layer the cooked chicken evenly on one slice of bread. Place the avocado slices on top of the chicken.

Step 7: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the avocado slices.

Step 8: Place a slice of cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss) on top of the avocado.

Step 9: Place the other slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, on top of the cheese to form a sandwich.

Step 10: Place the sandwich in the preheated panini press or grill pan. If using a panini press, close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. If using a grill pan, press the sandwich down with a spatula and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Step 11: Remove the panini from the press or grill pan and let it cool for a minute. Cut the sandwich in half or into smaller portions if desired.

Step 12: Serve the chicken and avocado panini warm and enjoy!

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Chicken and Avocado Panini:

1. Chicken breast:
- Substitute with sliced turkey breast or deli-style ham.
- Adjust cooking time if using deli-style ham as it may not require as much cooking.

2. Avocado:
- Substitute with sliced cucumber or thinly sliced zucchini.
- Adjust seasoning as cucumber or zucchini may have a milder flavor.

3. Panini bread:
- Substitute with sliced ciabatta bread, baguette, or any other sturdy bread.
- Adjust cooking time if using a different type of bread, as it may require more or less time to toast.

4. Mayonnaise:
- Substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier option.
- Adjust seasoning if using Greek yogurt or sour cream, as it may have a tangier taste.

5. Dijon mustard:
- Substitute with regular yellow mustard or honey mustard.
- Adjust quantity based on personal preference and taste.

6. Cheese (such as Swiss or provolone):
- Substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese of your choice.
- Adjust quantity based on personal preference and taste.

7. Optional ingredients:
- Feel free to add sliced tomatoes, red onions, or lettuce for added freshness and flavor.
- Adjust quantities based on personal preference.

Note: These substitutions and alterations are suggestions, and the final taste may vary slightly from the original recipe. Adjustments to cooking time, seasoning, and quantities should be made based on personal preference.

 Pairings 


- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- Tomato soup
- Caesar salad
- Pickles
- Onion rings
- Cornbread
- Potato salad
- Iced tea
- Lemonade

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Use a panini press to achieve those classic grill marks on the bread.
- Cut the panini into bite-sized portions and arrange them on a wooden serving board for an elegant touch.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, to add a pop of color.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions or roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Incorporate a spread of chipotle mayo or garlic aioli to enhance the overall taste.
- Sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to give a subtle kick to the panini.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular chicken breast with tender grilled chicken thigh or even a slice of roasted duck for a richer flavor.
- Upgrade the avocado to creamy slices of ripe Hass avocado or add a dollop of guacamole for added creaminess.
- Enhance the panini with premium ingredients like prosciutto, smoked Gouda, or aged cheddar for a more indulgent experience.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use whole wheat bread instead of white bread to increase fiber content.
- Opt for skinless chicken breast to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Use a small amount of heart-healthy olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter or mayonnaise.
- Consider using a low-fat cheese or a smaller amount of cheese to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Add a variety of vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers to boost nutritional value.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, use gluten-free bread or wrap alternatives.
- For those with lactose intolerance, consider using dairy-free cheese or omitting cheese altogether.
- To reduce sodium content, avoid adding additional salt or use a low-sodium seasoning blend.
- For individuals following a low-carb or keto diet, replace bread with lettuce wraps or use a low-carb bread alternative.
- For those with nut allergies, avoid using avocado if it triggers an allergic reaction.
- Adjust portion sizes according to individual calorie needs and weight management goals.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use whole wheat or whole grain bread instead of white bread for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for skinless chicken breast instead of dark meat to reduce saturated fat content.
- Grill or bake the chicken instead of frying it to minimize added fats.
- Use a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray instead of butter or mayonnaise to reduce saturated fat.
- Add fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions for added vitamins and minerals.
- Use a moderate amount of avocado for healthy fats and creaminess, but be mindful of portion size.
- Consider adding a slice of low-fat cheese for added flavor and protein.
- Season the chicken with herbs and spices instead of salt to reduce sodium intake.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a vegetable soup instead of fries to increase vegetable intake and reduce calorie content.

 Shortcuts 


- Use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken.
- Opt for store-bought avocado spread or guacamole instead of preparing fresh avocados to save time and effort.
- Substitute a cheaper cheese like cheddar or Swiss instead of pricier cheese varieties like Gruyère or Brie.
- Consider using a regular sandwich bread instead of a panini press to save money on equipment.
- Instead of using a panini press, use a skillet or griddle with a heavy object on top to press the sandwich and achieve a similar result.
- Skip marinating the chicken and season it with a dry rub or seasoning blend instead to save time.
- If desired, replace fresh herbs with dried herbs to cut down on cost and prep time.
- Use leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal to reduce waste and save time on cooking.
- Opt for a simple mayo or mustard spread instead of making a homemade sauce to save time and ingredients.
- Consider using a toaster oven instead of a conventional oven to save energy and time when toasting the sandwich.