BBQ Chicken Panini

Recreate your favorite bakery sandwich with this BBQ Chicken Panini, with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a sweet, smoky BBQ sauce.

This easy BBQ Chicken Panini is inspired by one of my favorite Southern Utah bakeries, Great Harvest, and it also brings back memories of the discontinued Starbucks Chicken & Honey BBQ Panini, making it a delicious homemade fix when those cravings hit. Imagine juicy grilled chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce, layered with crispy bacon and melted sharp cheddar on warm ciabatta, then finished with all of your favorite fresh toppings. The result is a smoky and satisfying panini that no one will be able to resist. If you’re a panini lover, you’re going to want to save this recipe!

BBQ CHICKEN PANINI

This BBQ chicken sandwich can be made in a panini press or skillet. While a press gives those signature grill marks, a skillet works just as well for a delicious result, and brushing the bread with calorie-free butter spray creates a golden, crisp exterior without extra calories. The grilled chicken is juicy and infused with tangy barbecue sauce, while the crisp bacon adds a rich, salty crunch that deepens the overall flavor. Sharp cheddar melts into the warm ciabatta, bringing a bold, slightly nutty bite that ties everything together. Fresh romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion add brightness, juiciness, and a mild bite that cuts through the richness. I love making this barbecue chicken panini for lunch when I’m craving something hearty, or for a quick weeknight dinner when I need a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. 

Find my expert tips on how to make a BBQ chicken panini from scratch below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram and Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️

Why You’ll Love This Easy BBQ Chicken Panini Recipe:

• Quick Weeknight Meal: This BBQ chicken panini recipe delivers bakery flavor with simple ingredients and easy prep for a quick lunch or dinner.
• Smoky & Savory: The crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that enhances the smoky BBQ flavor and adds extra depth.
• Restaurant-Quality Panini: Whether made in a panini press or skillet, the bread turns golden and crisp while locking in all the delicious fillings.

Ingredients

• Ciabatta Bread, or your favorite good-quality bread
• 1-2 Grilled Chicken breasts, sliced thin (I marinate mine in barbecue sauce before grilling them)
• Barbecue Sauce
• 1-2 Cooked Bacon slices
• Sharp Cheddar cheese, sliced thin
• 1 Tomatoes, sliced
• 1 Red Onion, sliced thin
• Romaine lettuce

Instructions

Start by pre-heating your panini press to 400 degrees, or heating a large skillet on medium-high heat.
 
Top one slice of Ciabatta bread with thinly sliced, grilled chicken. Pour the desired amount of barbecue sauce over the chicken. Top with cooked bacon and cheddar cheese. Top with the second slice of bread. Spray with butter spray on both sides of the bread. 

Place onto your panini grill and grill until the cheese has melted. I cooked mine for about 3 minutes. If using a skillet, cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes, pressing the sandwich down with a spatula. Cook until the cheese has melted.
 
Carefully remove the Panini from the grill. Add lettuce, tomato, and red onion. Enjoy!

Servings

Yields: 1 large BBQ chicken panini. If you want to scale it up, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make multiple paninis for the whole family.

Storage and Reheating 

Store the components of this BBQ chicken panini separately. Keep the grilled chicken and barbecue sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and store cooked bacon separately for up to 3-4 days as well. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and red onions should be stored in separate sealed containers or bags in the fridge and added just before serving. It’s best to store bread at room temperature in an airtight bag and assemble the panini fresh when ready to eat to maintain texture. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through, then assemble and grill or press the sandwich just before serving.

Holly’s Tips for The Best BBQ Chicken Panini Recipe:

• Choose The Right Bread: Use sturdy bread like ciabatta or sourdough to hold up to the fillings, and lightly toast the bread if it’s extra soft to prevent sogginess.
• Marinate The Chicken: Marinate chicken in barbecue sauce before grilling for deeper flavor, and slice the chicken thin so it layers evenly in the panini.
• Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This will contrast the BBQ sauce with its bold flavor and smooth melting.
• Crisp The Bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp so it adds texture. Drain excess grease before adding to the sandwich to prevent sogginess.
• Panini Technique: Preheat panini press to ensure even browning and melt then press firmly but gently without squeezing out fillings. If using a skillet, use a spatula to press the sandwich for that signature panini texture.
• Make It Your Own: Add extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping or extra richness, or use different meats or cheeses each time you make it.
• Serve Warm: Add lettuce, tomato, and red onion a minute or two after grilling to keep them crisp and fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Similar Recipes

Craving something similar? Try my BBQ Chicken Salad Wraps.

Wanting something a little different? Make my BBQ Chicken Rollups.

Can’t get enough of BBQ chicken recipes? Here are more top-loved favorites: Crock Pot BBQ Chicken, BBQ Chicken Flatbread Pizza, BBQ Chicken Salad, and Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Pizza.

Have you made this BBQ Chicken Panini recipe? 🍗

Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #BBQChickenPanini #LifeInTheLofthouse

Recipe Adapted From: Great Harvest.

DO YOU WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

PIN IT TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD! 📌