Fennel Chicken Cheddar Panini

This fennel chicken cheddar panini is savory, crunchy and refreshing all at once.

I hate licorice. Actually, hate is a very mellow way of putting it. Despise would be better. Doesn’t matter if it’s red, black, purple, yellow or neon green, (and now the scene in Wizard of Oz with the horses changing color is stuck in my head) it’s all the same kind of disgusting.

So you might be wondering why the heck I’m throwing a fennel panini in your face when most would say fennel tastes like licorice.

Me too.

Here’s the thing, I love fennel.

First of all, how can you not love something as crazy-ass looking as that? I look at it and see a Mickey Mouse head crossed with a furry little alien. It’s freaky and cute at the same time.

I have no good explanation for why the candy can repulse me and yet this bulb, vegetable, whatever it is can taste so delicious while imparting the same flavor.

Maybe it’s my general aversion to candy (just to be clear candy does not include chocolate) or maybe I’m just weird.

Most likely both.

After munching on half the bulb while putting together a random panini for lunch, I decided to throw in some of the fennel for the heck of it.

For a last minute decision, it definitely stole the show flavor wise with it’s bold licorice-y taste. Next time, I’ll try pickled fennel in this panini for some zip. I think it would complement the savory and sweet flavors perfectly.

Things I would suggest doing while making a fennel panini:

1. Definitely add apple + cheddar. The added crunch is fun and the cheese helps mellow out the fennel a bit.

2. Butter your toast. Always. It makes all the difference in “paninifying”

3. Don’t wipe off the crumbs from the 15 inch serrated bread knife with your fingers and expect not to slice half way through one of them.

Just some basics, you know?

But even if #3 does happen, the result is still worth it and better for you than the candy.

Fennel Chicken Cheddar Panini

Author: Gina Matsoukas

Use fennel in this fennel chicken cheddar panini to mellow the flavor a bit but still have a fun crunchy licorice taste.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 1 serving

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 slices of whole wheat bread
• 1/2 a small apple sliced
• 1/4 cup fennel sliced
• 1/4 cup cooked shredded chicken
• 4 slices sharp cheddar
• 3-4 basil leaves
• butter

Instructions

 

• Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
• Layer all the other ingredients on the reverse side of the bread and form a sandwich.
• Press in a panini maker or in a skillet using something heavy to press down on the top of the sandwich until the cheese starts melting and the bread is toasted and brown.
• Enjoy warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1SERVING | Calories: 746kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 146mg | Sodium: 1004mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 13g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

Cuisine American

Course Main Dishes

Keyword fennel chicken cheddar panini

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Gina Matsoukas

About

Gina Matsoukas is the writer, founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients as much as possible. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.