Everyday Chicken and Prosciutto Panini Recipe

A chicken, provolone and prosciutto panini recipe plus how-to instructions on how to make a panini sandwich without a panini press. Discover super ideas for panini fillings and toppings too!

Chicken and prosciutto panini sandwich cut in half on a cutting board.

While traveling in Italy, we came across some of the best food I have ever eaten. Besides the amazing cheese and charcuterie selections, we were blessed with some beautiful Italian sandwiches called panini.

They were everywhere in Tuscany and my favorite was made by Stefano Ricci at Bar Pan e Vin in Corniglia, a small thousand year old town in the region known as La Cinque Terra.

While enjoying my Italian lunch on the patio, I witnessed an exuberant fan exclaim, “Molto Bene! How do you do it?” Stefano was beaming and leaned over to reveal his secret ingredient.

“Rosemary and olive oil”, he whispered, looking around suspiciously. He told anybody who asked but as long as he whispers it, I guess it’s a secret.

If you are planning a trip to La Cinque Terra, consider staying in Corniglia. It is the least over-run-by-tourists of the five towns. This is probably due to the fact that it is high on the hill overlooking the Mediterranean. You can either walk up the hill from the train or wait for the bus to take you up.

Christiana Ricci is Stefano’s lovely wife and she rents small flats to visitors. You can find her rentals on AirBNB or VRBO.

Ciabatta bread being cut in half on a bread board.

Ciabatta bread being cut lengthwise on a cutting board.

Ciabatta bread cut into fourths.

Tips for making great panini sandwiches

Lots of rosemary and olive oil is key. It’s amazing how herb infused oil can transform a sandwich. You can also use other herbs or blends such as za’atar, oregano or thyme.
Ciabatta or focaccia is the best bread for this type of sandwich, it holds up well to the harassment of the panini press.
Use the best quality ingredients. I’ve heard this so many times it’s almost cliche but it is absolutely true.
If you are going to use vegetables for a vegetarian version, roast the vegetables first to bring out their flavor and to release some moisture. This will help prevent your panini from getting soggy.
Get creative with your sauces and fillings. I bet pesto or mustard would be great.

Rosemary in a small dish.

Olive oil being poured over rosemary.

Brushing olive oil and rosemary on ciabatta.

Ideas on how to make a panini without a panini press

The main idea is to press the sandwich and make it more dense. Without a panini press, you would weigh it down while cooking on one side and then flip the sandwich over and press again.

Items you can use to press your panini:

heavy skillet like cast iron
a plate and then something heavy on top like a tea kettle with water in it
a small but heavy casserole dish
a brick wrapped in aluminum foil

Prosciutto and provolone on a cutting board.

Panini fillings

Below are some ideas for simple Italian panini as well as gourmet panini.

Turkey and swiss
Cuban
Tomato, mozzarella and basil – also known as a Caprese
Roast beef and swiss
Ham and cheddar
Corn beef, sauerkraut, swiss, Russian dressing – also known as a Reuben
Steak, swiss and onions
Bacon and smoked gouda
Brie and apples
Salami and provolone
Roasted red peppers and gruyere
Pesto
Olive oil and rosemary or Za’atar
Serbian relish
Curry Fry Sauce
Chimichurri Rojo

Panini sandwich assembled and on a cast iron skillet.

Panini sandwich being pressed using a second cast iron skillet.

Finished panini sandwich.

Great sides to serve with panini

soup
Citrus Summer Slaw
fresh tangelos or canned mandarin oranges
grapes
olives

Get creative with your panini creations and leave a comment below sharing how you made yours.

Also, very important, go explore the World around you.

And, if you go to Italy, take lots of pictures and post on IG with #FusionCraftiness, I wanna see!

While renting a flat from Christiana Ricci in Corniglia, we explored the other four lands.

All the best, Ciao!