Delicious Panini :)

Dinner tonight was so simple, yet wondrously delicious. I was at Panera Bread the other day and of course ordered my usual salad. While looking at the menu though, a took notice to the selection of paninis. Basically that is what inspired tonight's dinner. I had never had or made a panini before so I was pretty much just shooting in the dark with this one but it turned out perfect!

Chicken Veggie Delight Panini:

- a few slices of a red onion

- a few slices of an orange bell pepper (you could use any color)

- a handful of fresh spinach leaves

- one chicken breast

- one slice of provolone cheese (reduced sodium) -- (or cheese of your choice)

- bread of some sort -- ciabatta bread, two slices of regular bread, flat bread, sandwich thins, etc ( I used Arnold's Honey Wheat Sandwich Thins)

- olive oil

- light italian dressing

- salt and pepper

*I used a George Forman Grill to create my panini

1) LIGHTY (I used very little) salt and pepper chicken breast and place in George Forman Grill or Panini maker for about 5 minutes (long enough that the middle is no longer pink)

2) While chicken is in the grill, lightly brush outside of sandwich thin (or bread of your choice) with olive oil. Place slices of peppers and onions on the bottom half of the sandwich.

3) When chicken is ready, place the breast on top of the pepper and onion slices. Then place the slice of parmesan cheese on top of the chicken and layer the spinach on top of the cheese. Finish by lightly putting a layer of the light italian dressing on the top piece of bread and put the lid on. 

4) Place the panini in the grill for about 3-5 minutes (enough to melt the cheese, toast the bread and make the veggies slightly soft). Take the panini out, cut it in half and wah-la --- easy peasy, you're done! 

I know it's not the best picture, but I promise it's delish!

*** This is best served with a side of fruit salad or a cup of soup. Yummy :)