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There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of a perfectly toasted panini, and this homemade Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini with Chipotle Mayo delivers that freshly made café experience right in your kitchen. As I was enjoying a lazy afternoon, the thought of that smoky, cheesy flavor haunted my taste buds, leading me to recreate this standout sandwich. Picture this: tender shredded chicken smothered in rich chipotle mayo, all encased within the soft embrace of crispy focaccia. Each bite bursts with freshness from vine-ripened tomatoes and vibrant basil, making it a go-to for lunches—or even an impromptu dinner.

Whether you’re tired of fast food or simply craving a delicious, homemade meal that impresses, this panini checks all the boxes: it’s simple to make, irresistibly flavorful, and easily adaptable for your personal taste. With just a few ingredients and a little love, you’ll have a gourmet sandwich that rivals your favorite café classic, minus the wait! Let’s dive right into this delightful recipe and elevate your mealtime with layers of taste and texture.

Why is this Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini special?

Irresistible flavors: The combination of smoky chipotle mayo and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you’ll have this café-quality sandwich ready in no time.
Versatile Choices: Feel free to customize with different proteins or add creamy avocado for extra richness.
Perfect Texture: Crispy, golden focaccia envelops warm, melty goodness—every bite a delightful contrast!
Meal Prep Friendly: Make the chipotle mayo ahead for an even more convenient lunchtime option.
Elevate your lunchtime with this panini; it’s a delicious way to satisfy those fast-food cravings without compromising on quality!

Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini Ingredients

For the Chipotle Mayo

Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy base; swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Chipotle Chile in Adobo – Provides a smoky heat; finely chop and include 2 tsp. adobo sauce.
Kosher Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to your taste preferences.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds subtle spice; freshly ground gives best flavor.

For the Panini

Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Breast – Flavorful main protein; perfect for using leftovers or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Focaccia – Soft sandwich base that crisps beautifully; can substitute with ciabatta or any sturdy bread.
Fresh Basil Leaves – Brings freshness and herbal notes; spinach works as a substitute if needed.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts wonderfully, adding creaminess; fresh mozzarella enhances texture.
Vine-Ripened Tomato – Offers juiciness and acidity; heirloom varieties elevate the flavor.
Red Onion – Introduces crunch and sharpness; using sweet onion minimizes bitterness.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Ideal for toasting the sandwich and boosting flavor; feel free to use your preferred grilling oil.

This Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini will surely elevate your cooking game and bring the cafe experience right to your home!

How to Make Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini

Prepare Chipotle Mayo: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped chipotle chile, adobo sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well blended, creating a creamy and spicy sauce.
Assemble the Panini: On the bottom half of the focaccia bread, layer a generous amount of shredded rotisserie chicken, followed by fresh basil leaves, slices of mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and red onion.
Apply Second Half: Carefully place the other half of the focaccia bread on top, gently pressing down to encase all the delicious fillings snugly.
Toast the Sandwich: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil. Then, carefully place the panini in the skillet, allowing it to start to crisp up.
Press Down: Using another heavy skillet, press down on the sandwich. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Remove the panini from the skillet, slice it in half for easy eating, and enjoy while it’s still warm.

Optional: Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a delightful pairing.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini

Room Temperature: Enjoy the copycat panini fresh; if left at room temperature, consume within 2 hours to maintain quality and safety.
Fridge: Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to restore crispness.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the assembled panini, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and crispy.

Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini Variations

Feel free to get creative with this panini and tailor it to your personal taste preferences!

Pulled Pork: Swap shredded chicken for pulled pork to add a smoky sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
Adding a touch of barbecue sauce can enhance the flavor, giving it that down-home vibe.
Avocado Slices: Introduce creamy avocado for a luscious twist.
The buttery texture complements the crunch of the focaccia beautifully, making each bite even more delightful.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Use spicy pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a fiery kick.
This twist brings a whole new level of flavor, perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals.
Spinach: Substitute fresh basil with baby spinach for a milder green.
It adds another layer of nutritious goodness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Turkey: Switch out the chicken for lean turkey breast for a healthier twist.
With the same smoky chipotle mayo, it remains equally flavorful while lightening up the dish.
Roasted Red Peppers: Add slices of roasted red peppers for a sweet and smoky flavor boost.
These vibrant peppers elevate the sandwich both in taste and color, creating a feast for the eyes.
Zesty Pesto: Spread a layer of zesty pesto on the focaccia for a burst of herbal freshness.
It pairs well with the other ingredients, creating an herby profile that will awaken your palate.
Grilled Veggies: Incorporate grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian option.
This also adds a delightful charred flavor, enhancing the overall texture and taste of the panini!

Make Ahead Options

These Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during meal prep! You can prepare the chipotle mayo up to 7 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, shred the rotisserie chicken and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you’d like to assemble the paninis ahead of time, you can put them together and wrap them tightly in foil, storing in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply toast the sandwich in a skillet as per the instructions, and you’ll have a delicious, café-style meal right at your fingertips, just as satisfying as if it were freshly made!

Expert Tips for Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini

Prep Ahead: Prepare the chipotle mayo in advance to let the flavors meld; it boosts the sandwich’s taste.
Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest ingredients available, especially for tomatoes and basil, to elevate the overall flavor profile of the panini.
Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on the heat level when toasting; too high can burn the bread before the cheese melts.
Don’t Skip Pressing: Pressing the sandwich ensures even cooking and a perfectly crispy texture. If you don’t have a press, a heavy skillet will work just fine!
Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to swap in leftover proteins or add extras like avocado for a twist; the Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini is very adaptable!

What to Serve with Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini?

Building a satisfying meal around your panini is like crafting a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures.

Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy, sweet accompaniments offer a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the panini.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad topped with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness, adding freshness and crunch to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned veggies provide a savory side that complements the melty cheese and smoky chicken wonderfully.
Pickles or Pickled Vegetables: The tangy bite of pickles contrasts beautifully with the creamy chipotle mayo, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Tomato Basil Soup: An inviting bowl of soup brings warmth and a classic pairing that echoes the panini’s ingredients, making it a cozy option.
Iced Tea or Lemonade: A refreshing beverage like iced tea or a zesty lemonade cleanses the palate, providing a delightful sip between bites.

Consider combining a few of these sides for a memorable lunch or dinner that will wow your family!

Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe tomatoes for the Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini?
When selecting tomatoes, look for ones that are firm but slightly yielding to pressure, indicating ripeness. A vine-ripened tomato should have a deep red color and a pleasant, fragrant aroma. Avoid any with dark spots or blemishes.

How should I store leftovers of the Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini?
To store leftovers, wrap the panini tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best crisp texture.

Can I freeze the Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the assembled panini tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in a skillet for the best results.

What if I don’t have shredded rotisserie chicken?
If you don’t have shredded rotisserie chicken, no worries! You can easily cook and shred chicken breast at home. Simply boil or bake the chicken until cooked through, cool it slightly, and then shred with two forks. It’s a great way to customize the sandwich with your choice of seasoning.

Can I make this panini vegetarian?
Of course! To create a vegetarian version of the Copycat Panera Frontega Chicken Panini, simply replace the shredded chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, or use a hearty bean spread for protein. You could also add slices of avocado for extra creaminess!

Is there a good substitute for focaccia if I can’t find it?
Yes, if you can’t find focaccia, ciabatta or any sturdy bread will work beautifully for this panini. Just make sure the bread can hold the fillings well and maintain that desired crispy exterior when toasted.