Spicy Chicken and Pepper Jack Panini

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Olive oil
• 4 slices of Pepper Jack cheese
• 8 slices of sourdough bread or your preferred bread for paninis
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)
• Sliced red onion (optional)
• Mayonnaise or spicy aioli (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, rubbing the spices evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
3. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the seasoned chicken breasts.
4. Grill the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are fully cooked through and have nice grill marks. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Once done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. While the chicken is resting, assemble the sandwiches. Take two slices of sourdough bread for each sandwich.
6. Place a slice of Pepper Jack cheese on each slice of bread.
7. If using, spread mayonnaise or spicy aioli on one side of each sandwich (optional).
8. Slice the grilled chicken breasts and distribute the slices evenly on top of the cheese.
9. Add sliced jalapeños and red onion (if using) on top of the chicken.
10. Close the sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread and press them gently.
11. Place the assembled sandwiches on a panini press, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat.
12. Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula if using a grill pan or skillet, until the bread turns golden brown, and the cheese is melted.
13. Once done, remove the sandwiches from the grill, slice them diagonally, and serve hot.

This Spicy Chicken and Pepper Jack Panini sandwich offers a perfect balance of heat from the spices, the creamy melt of Pepper Jack cheese, and the savory grilled chicken, all pressed between slices of crispy sourdough bread. Customize it to your spice level preference and enjoy a deliciously satisfying meal!