Balance the decadence of rich pancetta and Fontina cheese with a lean chicken breast in this tasty hot sandwich.
Servings: Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breast  halves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil plus additional oil for brushing grill
  • 12 thin slices pancetta
  • 2 cups shredded Italian Fontina
  • 1 bunch arugula leaves
  • 6 teaspoons Provencale or tarragon or any herbed mustard
  • 6 (4" x 4") squares focaccia (such as rosemary), split horizontally
    • Directions
    Heat a panini grill or grill pan over a low flame. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of waxed paper; gently pound with a meat mallet or the bottom of a small heavy saucepan until evenly thick. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.

    In a large skillet, heat one teaspoon olive oil over a medium flame. Cook pancetta in batches until golden. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.

    Meanwhile, lightly brush grill or grill pan with olive oil. Working in batches, grill chicken, covered, just until cooked through, about 5 minutes.

    To assemble the panini, place a chicken breast on the bottom half of each square of focaccia. Top with 2 slices pancetta, 1/3 cup Fontina, and 3 or 4 arugula leaves. Spread one teaspoon mustard on other half of bread and place on top of arugula. With the palm of your hand, press down gently. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.

    Place one or two panini on grill or in pan; cover and cook until cheese melts and bread is toasted, about 5 minutes. Slice each sandwich in half. Repeat with remaining panini.
    Nutritional Information
    2742 calories, 69.9 grams fat, 23 grams saturated fat, 458 mg of cholesterol, 12887 mg sodium, 293.4 grams carbohydrate, 14.6 grams fiber, 216.4 grams protein
    From the January 2004 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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