Last Updated on February 21, 2022 by Anne-Marie

This tasty chicken panini recipe makes an easy weeknight grilled chicken dinner. Greek yogurt marinated chicken makes this chicken panini sandwich super tasty.

Why this recipe works

With the back-to-school rush on or nearly here depending on where you live, you’ll want something convenient to cook up that the whole family will love.

That’s why this chicken panini recipe is my go-to, busy weeknight dinner since it’s made on an countertop grill.

No need to grill outdoors on a buggy night or go out and buy an expensive panini press!

How to make a grilled chicken panini

But how to make this chicken panini recipe special?

Making the Greek yogurt marinated chicken

First, I marinated the chicken breasts in Greek yogurt flavored with my favorite bottled balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Super simple and so very delicious!

You could also use this Easy Chicken Marinade Recipe instead of the vinaigrette dressing.

Next add peppers

For color, I added strips of red pepper. I grilled these on the George Foreman Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press.

But to save time, you can use jarred red peppers. I like using jarred red peppers in salads and pasta, too!

Then add some cheese

The final touch to this quick grilled chicken breast recipe was using a shredded Italian cheese blend.

The tart flavor of the Greek yogurt and the sweet flavors of the balsamic vinaigrette and grilled red pepper meshed perfectly with the Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Fontina, Romano, and Asiago cheeses.

But you can use slices of mozzarella or Swiss, too, if that's more convenient.

What type of bread?

While you can use regular white bread or whole wheat bread, try this chicken panini sandwich recipe on your favorite gluten free bread.

Everything else about this yummy chicken panini recipe is naturally gluten free!

How to prep the yogurt marinated chicken breast

Depending on where you buy your chicken breasts, half a breast may be perfect for one chicken panini sandwich.

However, I found that the ones I bought at my grocery store were HUGE. Ridiculously so.

Three were more than enough for my family since I was able to trim down two of the larger ones to use on the forth panini sandwich.

You’ll want to flatten and tenderize the chicken breasts with a meat tenderizer tool, so the chicken absorbs the marinate better and grills more evenly.

I highly recommend using a Jaccard Supertendermatic 48-Blade Tenderizer and highly recommend that you buy yourself one, too. I use this tool for my carne asada marinade recipe, too

Remember plan accordingly! Marinate the chicken first thing in the morning when making your chicken panini recipe for dinner that night.

Tips for grilling the best chicken panini

How to prevent sticking – add mayo!

This isn’t in my original instructions for making the grilled chicken panini sandwich recipe.

If you don’t want your panini to stick to the grill, slather on a thin coating of your favorite mayonnaise to the outside of the panini sandwich.

My kids started doing this every time they make grilled cheese and it works like a charm to prevent sticking.

Or use vinaigrette dressing

If mayo isn't your thing, you can use a little of the balsamic vinaigrette dressing on the outside of your grilled panini sandwich.

The oil in it should prevent sticking and add a lovely flavor to your panini.

Cooking spray works great, too

Or just spray the George Foreman Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press with some olive oil cooking spray according to the recipe instructions.

More terrific sandwich recipes

Looking for more easy sandwich recipes for lunch or dinner? Try these:

Love bagels? Try this Ultimate Breakfast Bagel Sandwich recipe for lunch or dinner. 

Looking for more chicken sandwich recipes? Then try this Easy Rotisserie Chicken Salad Recipe.  

This Ham & Pimento Cheese Sandwich features green heirloom tomatoes, but you can make it with any type of tomatoes you have on hand.

Love grilled cheese, then try a Croque Monsieurs!

Another wonderful grilled sandwich is this Easy Cuban Panini made with shredded pulled pork.

This Pumpkin Dip Recipe for Sandwiches is perfect for Halloween or fall parties.

Got meatloaf? Make this Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches Recipe.

Originally published on February 20, 2015 and August 7, 2017. Updated with new pictures and information.