Italian Caprese Chicken Panini with Charred Corn Relish

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1.25 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1.5 cups fresh sweet corn kernels
• 2 medium heirloom tomatoes
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
• 4 ciabatta rolls
• 1 garlic clove

Instructions

1. 1Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness between plastic wrap. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, then drizzle with a little of the olive oil.
2. 2Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Cook the chicken 4 to 5 minutes per side until deep golden grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes before slicing thin.
3. 3While the chicken rests, add the remaining olive oil to the same hot pan. Scatter in the corn kernels and cook undisturbed 2 minutes, then stir and char another 2 to 3 minutes until kernels are blistered and sweet. Season lightly and set aside in a small bowl.
4. 4Slice the heirloom tomatoes into 1/4-inch rounds and the fresh mozzarella into similar-thickness slices. Split the ciabatta rolls and lightly toast the cut sides in the pan 1 minute.
5. 5Rub the warm toasted cut sides of the rolls with the cut garlic clove for aroma. Layer sliced chicken, mozzarella, tomato rounds, and whole basil leaves on the bottom halves.
6. 6Spoon the charred corn relish over the basil, then drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze. Cap with the top halves of the rolls and press gently.
7. 7Return the assembled panini to the grill pan over medium heat. Press firmly with a spatula or another heavy pan and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side until the bread is crisp and the mozzarella softens and begins to melt.
8. 8Slice each panini on the diagonal and serve immediately while the cheese is still stretchy. Wrap leftovers tightly for next-day lunch; they reheat well in a toaster oven or dry skillet.