Spicy Chicken Florentine Panini
by: Chef Ed Richardson
Ingredients
2 small chicken breasts, grilled or griddled, sliced thin
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1–2 Tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (or substitute Sriracha)
4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
4 slices rustic Italian bread
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
butter or olive oil, for grilling
pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
Cook Spinach
On the Wolf Griddle, heat olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then move aside.
Prepare Chicken
Cook chicken till done. Toss the sliced chicken with Calabrian chili paste for heat and flavor. Warm on the griddle until coated and slightly caramelized.
Assemble Sandwiches
Spread mayonnaise (or aioli) on the inside of each bread slice. Layer the cheese, spicy chicken, and garlicky spinach, then top with another slice of bread.
Grill
Brush the outside of the bread with butter or olive oil. Place on the griddle, press down gently, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Serve
Cut the sandwiches on a diagonal and serve hot with chips or a simple arugula salad.