Easy Chicken Pesto Panini with Melty Havarti & Sourdough

Meister Cheese

Servings

1 panini

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

8 minutes

Cuisine

Italian-American

Ingredients

Sourdough bread: 2 thick slices
Havarti cheese: 2–3 slices (mild, creamy, and ultra-melty)
Cooked chicken breast: 1/2 cup (shredded or thinly sliced rotisserie or grilled chicken)
Basil pesto: 1.5 to 2 tablespoons
Tomato: 2–3 thin slices
Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon (for coating the outside of the bread)
Optional: Pinch of salt, black pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Directions

Prep the Bread: Lay the two slices of sourdough flat on a cutting board. Spread the basil pesto evenly over the inside facing side of both slices.

Layer the Sandwich:

Place one slice of Havarti cheese on the bottom piece of sourdough.
Add the cooked chicken over the cheese.
Layer the tomato slices on top of the chicken and season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Top with the remaining Havarti cheese slice (double-gapping the cheese around the filling ensures everything binds together as it melts).
Close the sandwich with the second slice of sourdough.
Coat the Outside: Spread half of the mayonnaise evenly across the top slice of sourdough.

Grill to Perfection:

Panini Press Method: Preheat your panini press to medium-high. Place the sandwich in the press (mayo-side down), spread the remaining mayo on the top slice, close the lid, and press for 4–6 minutes until the sourdough is golden brown and the Havarti is thoroughly melted.
Skillet / Cast Iron Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the panini in the pan mayo-side down. Spread the remaining mayo on the top slice. Cook for 3–4 minutes, gently pressing down with a heavy spatula or cast-iron press. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 3–4 minutes until golden, crispy, and melty.
Serve: Let the panini rest for 1 minute on a cutting board so the cheese settles, slice diagonally, and serve immediately!

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Article: Easy Chicken Pesto Panini with Melty Havarti & Sourdough

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Aug 28, 2026best panini with havarti cheese

Easy Chicken Pesto Panini with Melty Havarti & Sourdough

Name: Easy Chicken Pesto Panini with Melty Havarti & Sourdough
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 1 panini
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Sourdough bread: 2 thick slices; Havarti cheese: 2–3 slices (mild, creamy, and ultra-melty); Cooked chicken breast: 1/2 cup (shredded or thinly sliced rotisserie or grilled chicken); Basil pesto: 1.5 to 2 tablespoons; Tomato: 2–3 thin slices; Mayonnaise: 1 tablespoon (for coating the outside of the bread); Optional: Pinch of salt, black pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Elevate lunch with this quick chicken pesto panini! Packed with sliced chicken, juicy tomatoes, and melty Havarti cheese grilled to golden perfection.

Written by Meister Cheese

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