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Thursday, February 28, 2008

Chicken Salad Panini


1 can (13.8 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated pizza crust
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
6 oz cooked chicken finely chopped
2 Tbsp finely chopped green onions (optional)
3 Tbsp mayo or salad dressing (I like the poppy seed dressing)
1 large tomato thinly sliced
4 slices provolone cheese (or whatever you like)

1) Heat oven to 400. Grease large cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray. Unroll dough onto cookie sheet. Starting at center, press out dough into 15x10-inch rectangle. Brush oil over dough. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning.

2) Bake 10-13 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, mix chicken, onions and mayo.

3) Cut baked crust in half crosswise. Spread chicken mixture on 1 half. Top with tomato and cheese, cutting to fit if necessary. Cover with remaining half of baked crust, seasoning side down. Cut into 4 sandwiches.

4) Heat 12 inch skillet over medium-low heat. Place 2 sandwiches in skillet; cook about 2 minutes, pressing down with pancake turner, until bottom crust is deep golden brown. Turn sandwiches; cook about 2 minutes, pressing again with turner, until cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining 2 sandwiches.

TIP: Because the crust will also be grilled, bake it just until it starts to brown so it won't get too dark when you grill it.

Though a skillet works fine for finishing these sandwiches, an electric contact grill--one that has two surfaces and closes--is ideal for the job. The times may differ so watch the panini closely.

2 comments:

cb said...

YUM!!! I can't wait to try this recipe. Thanks Deborah!

Kathy - Panini Happy said...

Ooh, I'd been meaning to experiment with using pizza crust dough - I'm glad to know that it does work! That's a great idea to add the Italian seasoning as well - kind of like a focaccia!