Ronald's Saturday Off: Quick, Chicken Croissant Paninis.

My love for Croissants is out of this world. Last semester when I had made my Curried-Moroccan chicken Salad, I picked up a case of Croissant sandwich bread. Basically, the same ingredients use to make the croissants are basically the exact same ingredients to make these rolls. The only difference is, instead of being rolled, it’s flattened out like Ciabatta bread.

My only frustration is this, one, it only comes in four to a pack. Two, I can only find them at the local Wal-Mart in Manhattan. Junction City? I don’t think so. Do any other supermarkets have them? Perhaps. But, they’re very hard to find. If however you cannot find them, perhaps make the croissants from scratch, and then lay them down as if you’re baking biscuits, or you can buy croissant pastry dough and bake them accordingly.

Paninis are a sandwich hit amongst local eateries, coffee shops, bakeries, and hotels. These are quick, easy, and something that everyone who is tailgating will enjoy. Not only will adults and college students enjoy them, but the kids will too.

You’ll need,

            A frying pan (or cast iron skillet)

George Foreman Grill (With a Bread Warmer)

Microwave (If needed)

Charcoal grill (If needed)

·      Oven Roasted Chicken Sandwich Meat.

·      Muenster Cheese.

·      Pepper-Jack Cheese.

    Mayo.

·      Croissant Sandwich Bread.

Each sandwich should have two slices of chicken, and one slice of each cheese.

1.         Heat your George Foreman Grill as followed. If you’re using one, be sure to have an extension cord to where it’s plugged into your car outlet.  If you also have a portable stove, use a pan to heat your chicken. If not, use your George Foreman Grill as shown below. 

2.         In a medium hot pan, place a small slice of butter in your pan to prevent your chicken from sticking. Place your two slices of chicken patties in the pan and allow them to cook on each side for about roughly two minutes.  

3.         While you’re cooking your chicken patties, warm your croissant bread in the bread warmer. If you do not have a bread warmer, you can use your outdoor grill, making sure that it’s away from the coals.  I also suggest that you use a microwave by heating them for 20 seconds. Make sure that your bread isn’t crispy hot. You want to make sure that it is lukewarm.

4.         Once your bread is semi-warm, take any spread of your choice, and spread a thin layer on the bread. My choice is mayonnaise, but you can choose any condiment that you want.

5.         Place your Muenster cheese on top of your spread, and place your Pepper-Jack cheese on top of the patties.

6.         Next, Double stack the chicken, remove them from your pan, and place them on the sandwich bread. As you place them on the croissant bread, place the sandwich on the George foreman grill. Cook for two minutes, Cut in triangles, and enjoy. I suggest that you press down on your George Foreman grill so that you’re flattening them out.

Tips:

If you’re making them ahead of time, I would suggest that you cook them before, and place them in a crockpot warmer. If you want, you can wrap them in printing paper to be extra creative. You can also add vegetables if you want.

To prevent your chicken from overcooking, take your pan off the heat.