; Supermarket Serenade: Roasted Chicken and Brie Panini with Hot Raspberry Jam

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Roasted Chicken and Brie Panini with Hot Raspberry Jam

I cannot stop making panini.

Without question my favorite thing in the new year is my shiny new panini grill. Oh I know...panini are so last decade. I don't care-I'm late for the party and now I'm hooked.

My first panini were basically "clean out the fridge panini". I used supermarket deli sliced chicken breast and brie. While I chose to use deli sliced because it was what I had on hand, feel free to substitute leftover roasted chicken or store bought rotisserie.
The spinach was really an afterthought. One of my New Year's resolutions is to each some sort of fruit or vegetable with every meal (OK I know I should have been doing that last decade too, but what can I say?). As it turns out the spinach worked perfectly. The jam was a holiday leftover. Purchased at my local Homegoods, the hot pepper raspberry jam was delicious. I may run out tomorrow and see if I can find a few more jars...it was really good-not too hot, in fact barely warm...but really wonderful tasting.

The most important part of making good panini is your bread selection. A soft regular bread just won't hold up with too many fillings. I chose a sprouted whole grain bread from the bakery section at Whole Foods that was both sturdy and flavorful. Firm rolls also work incredibly well.

5 Tips for Perfect Panini:

1. Choose a firm, sturdy bread
2. Divide the cheese between both slices of bread for best "melting together"
3. Preheat your panini grill
4. Experiment with different flavored oils brushed on the outside of the bread.
5. For best melting without leaking, do not over stuff with cheese and/or other fillings.

Roasted Chicken and Brie Panini with Hot Raspberry Jam
4 slices sturdy whole grain bread cut 1/4-1/2 inch thick
4 teaspoons hot pepper raspberry jam
2 ounces sliced brie, rind removed
1/4 lb. deli roasted chicken breast
1/2 cup (packed)baby spinach leaves
2 teaspoons crushed raw almonds
2 teaspoons red pepper flavored olive oil

Preheat your panini grill according to manufacturers directions.

Arrange your bread on a work surface. Spread 1 teaspoon of the jam over each slice of bread.
Divide the brie between the bread slices spreading gently over the jam. Stack the chicken, spinach and almonds on 2 of the bread slices then top with the remaining bread slices. Brush the sandwiches with the oil and place on the grill; close the grill and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

15 comments:

The JR said...

Thanks Veronica!

I always eat my sandwiches toasted. I've been wanting a panini grill, but now you've made up my mind. I'm going to have to have one.

You explained very well what I need to do to make a great panini.

Beth (jamandcream) said...

his is my kind of sandwich. The hot pepper raspberry jam sounds delish - I've never seen it here in the UK so always use cranberry relish

Maria said...

I love this panini!

Mary Bergfeld said...

What gorgeous looking sandwiches. Thanks for sharing the tips with us. Happy New Year. I hope 2010 brings you health, happiness and prosperity.

La Bella Cooks said...

The jam is a brilliant idea! Happy New Year to you.

grace said...

so. that bread looks AWESOMELY hearty, the jam happens to be a favorite of mine (all hail the spicy-sweet combo!), and the grill factor simply rocks. this is an awesome sandwich. the end. :)

Karen Harris said...

OMG, this looks delicious. Brie is an addiction for me. Add raspberry jam and toasted bread and I'm really hooked.

Karen Harris said...

Hi again Veronica! I've got a happiness award waiting for you over at my blog. I've also referenced your address so my readers can get to know you and your blog.

Kathleen said...

This sounds like an incredible combo! Super Yum!!!

Jennifer said...

This is one of my fav sorts of toasted sammies.. brie with fruit spreads and meats! YUM!

Cat said...

That looks delicious! I love brie with fruits, especially raspberry. I'm a long time reader of your fabulous blog, but first time follower as I've only just opened a blogger account and set up a blog (http://bakezilla1.blogspot.com/). I just hope mine is as great as yours! :)

Dinners and Dreams said...

I bought a panini press and have been using it quite often. It makes any sandwich taste better even if the bread is npt great. Your panini looks delish!

Nisrine

Julie said...

I've decided too, I've definitely got to ask for a panini grill for my birthday! This looks so yummy :)

Anonymous said...

This recipe looks very good. I love hot sandwiches and have never seen raspberry hot pepper preserves. YUM!

Reese Darragh said...

That looks really good. Hi, I am a first time visitor. I should drop by your blog more. Have a blessed day!