Monday, January 24, 2011

Hungry Girl's Chicken Chipotle Panini

Just popping out of hiding for a minute to share with you a yummy and not too fattening dinner we had last night.  It's a Hungry Girl Recipe Swap for Panera's Frontega Chicken Panini.  As far as I know there's no Panera around here, at least not it my nick of the woods, so I've never tried their sandwich.  But apparently one of theirs has 890 calories and 39 grams of fat.  Which of course means it's delicious, I'm sure.  But if you're recreating it yourself at home, why not whittle that down a bit, right?


I just adored this sandwich, even though it's a messy thing.  And it gave me the chance to use my new panini pan I got at Ikea.  I burned the first one...woops!  But my hubby ate it.  We had these with a little spicy tomato and veggie soup, and I was a happy little clam.  

Here's the recipe from Hungry Girl:

Ingredients:
Sauce
1 1/2 tbsp. fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. adobo sauce (from canned chipotle peppers) or chipotle hot sauce (like the kind by Tabasco)
2 dashes onion powder 
2 dashes garlic powder 

Sandwich 
One 100-calorie flat sandwich bun (like Arnold Select/Oroweat Sandwich Thins)
2 oz. cooked skinless lean chicken breast, shredded or pulled into pieces
1 tbsp. roughly chopped fresh basil
2 thin slices red onion
2 slices plum tomato
1 stick light string cheese, shredded or pulled into pieces

Directions: 
In a medium bowl, combine ingredients for the sauce and mix well. Set aside.

Split bun in half and lay the halves flat, split sides up. Evenly spread half of the sauce onto the bun halves, leaving half of the sauce in the bowl. Set aside.

To the bowl with the remaining sauce, add chicken and toss to coat. Set aside.

Evenly top one bun half with basil, onion, tomato, saucy chicken, and cheese. Place the other half on top, sauce side down.

Bring a grill pan sprayed with nonstick spray to medium-high heat on the stove. Place sandwich in the pan. Using a spatula, press down gently but firmly to seal the sandwich. Grill until hot and lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side, flipping carefully and pressing down with the spatula to seal.

Nutrition info:  Calories: 256, Fat: 5, Fiber:  5.5   

I also wanted to mention a fun giveaway win I received not too long ago from Recipes of a Cheapskate.  


I admit, I love the Cheeseburger Hamburger Helper, a lot.  And that foam hand just makes me smile.  Thanks Krystal!

33 comments:

Krystal said...

I have got to get me a panini grill. That sandwich sounds amazing!
And my little 3 year old love to high five with that foam hand :)

-Krystal @ recipesofacheapskate.blogspot.com

The JR said...

Congrats on your win. I won a $65 gift certificate and think I'm going to use it for a panini press.

Kim said...

That little Hamburger guy is too cute! Have you been watching The Hungry Girl on her new cooking show? I think it's on the cooking channel.

I can't believe you have no Panera out there. I thought they'd taken over everywhere. The sandwich looks delicious and I'm sure is quite cheaper than a stop at Panera (which can get very pricey). Plus, I love a good messy sandwich - that's the best kind!

Karen said...

This sounds delicious! I've been wanting to get a panini press - it'd be fun :)

Unknown said...

I want one! Great great dinner, wishing I had it!

teresa said...

oh yummy! i do love panera sandwiches, and this looks just as good!

great giveaway win, too cute!

scrambledhenfruit said...

I really want a panini grill- this looks so good!

Tiffanee said...

Yum. I have been into chipotle lately and I love paninis so this is so perfect. I cannot wait to try it out.

Joanne said...

Not gonna lie, I would so rather be eating this than Panera's version! Looks delicious.

Val said...

Have mercy!!!! I need this right now!

Everyday Cookin' said...

This looks good - and I can vouch for Panera - that Frontega chicken sandwich is FANTASTIC!

Susan at www.ugogrrl.com said...

I love this sandwich - like how you made it lower in calories. I can always use a little help with that!

Susan www.ugogrrl.com

Reeni said...

I love Panera - never had this one though. It does look insanely good!

Lunch Buckets said...

We are indeed Panera deprived, but I don't think it's all that different from Paradise Bakery.
About that grill pan ... does it have an oven safe handle? Just realized the other day that mine does not, and that made me kind of sad.

Julie said...

I'm not sure, as that would involve reading the directions or some crap like that.

Monet said...

I use to work at Panera...and while their food can be great...it can also be very calorie-laden. I loved seeing this lightened panini! Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. May the middle of your week be full of joy and laughter.

Deborah said...

It's crazy that their sandwich has so many calories! But this one looks amazing - I'm a huge panini fan!

Chris said...

I've got just the sauce to make that chipotle mayo! I have a micro batch of garlic chipotle sauce that I bought from a small bottler.

The Blonde Duck said...

I've been to panera, and can attest to how good those sandwiches are. But every since they posted the calories, I wouldn't touch them. I'd love to recreate this!

La Bella Cooks said...

Panera prides themselves on organic and healthier options but they really tip the scale in calories in pretty much the majority of their meals. I LOVE this lighter version and will be trying this one on my husband who loves panera's version. Thanks for sharing, Julie.

theUngourmet said...

Oh yeah, I'm all about paninis! What a fun giveaway. I love that glove too and Tim is so darn cute! ;)

Pam said...

I wish I was having this for lunch today!

UrMomCooks said...

Panini sandwiches are the best! This recipe sounds fantastic...and healthy is even better! I would love to have this for lunch!

ann said...

This panini looks so great. I love Panera but there are so many calories and most of their dishes. I'm glad to lighten it up!

Lori said...

This looks so good. I dont always like HG's recipes because I have to buy so many different things but I will say the ones I have tried I liked! This one definitely looks good.

Faith said...

Mmm, Panera is one of my favorite places and I love the idea of remaking a healthy version of their sandwich! Great combo of flavors in this one!

druidaccountforsale said...

I think i found a new addiction with this Chicken Chipotle Panini. Not minding the calorie just sweat it off later. I'm quite fascinated by the taste of the sauce, garlicky yummy.

Mary Bergfeld said...

This really looks delicious and it beats restaurant sandwiches by a long shot. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary

The Blonde Duck said...

Do you have a Jason's Deli? I just had the best sandwich this weekend--Pecos Grill-- turkey, guac, bacon, swiss on grilled wheat with pico de gallo...YUM!

Anonymous said...

Yummmmmmmmm :)

Katrina said...

mmm, that looks so good. I just saw Hungry Girl on The Nate Berkus Show today. She had some much healthier red velvet cupcakes that sounded really good.

Monica H said...

mmm, that sandwich and a bowl to spicy tomato soup sounds perfectly comforting.

❀Dena❀ said...

Hi I came across your blog while looking for this recipe. I made these for dinner tonight and wow, they are delicious!! Just wanted to share my thoughts on them :)