One place I could eat at non-stop is Panera. I love their soups, salads, breakfast, heck even their coffee. The one sandwich I get on repeat is Paneras Frontega Chicken Panini.
A smushed pulled chicken sandwich with gooey mozzarella, tomato, and a spicy chipotle mayo may be put on crusty ciabatta bread.
All smooshed together in a hot panini press to form a melty, hearty, yet light chicken panini sandwich.
Frontega Chicken has become synonymous with Panera Bread. This famous sandwich has been around for a long time and is still popular. But what is Frontega Chicken? Let’s look at its history, ingredients, taste, and frequently asked questions.
A Brief History of the Frontega Chicken Sandwich
The Frontega Chicken sandwich was introduced by Panera Bread in the early 2000s. It was developed as a signature sandwich to represent Panera’s commitment to fresh, quality ingredients. The name “Frontega” aims to evoke a sense of rustic Italian authenticity.
Many people have become loyal to Frontega Chicken over the years because of their love for the sandwich’s perfect mix of flavors. It’s still one of the most-ordered items on the menu. Although Panera has made some limited-time seasonal changes to the original recipe, it has stayed true to its core.
Inside the Ingredients: What Makes Up This Sandwich?
What makes the Frontega Chicken so good is the carefully chosen ingredients that give it different levels of taste and texture.
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Grilled Chicken: Tender, lightly seasoned chicken breast provides a hearty base.
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Fresh Mozzarella Melty creamy cheese lends a soft, mild counterpoint.
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Ripe Tomatoes: Juicy tomato slices contribute sweetness and moisture.
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Basil Pesto Bright, herbaceous pesto made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil
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Red Onion Sharp pungent raw onion cuts through the richness.
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Chipotle Sauce: Smoky, spicy adobo sauce is the signature element.
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Focaccia Bread: Chewy, olive oil-kissed bread provides structure.
This combination of high-quality, real food ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste and texture.
The Defining Flavors of Frontega Chicken
Beyond the ingredients list, let’s analyze the actual eating experience of a Frontega Chicken sandwich:
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Savory flavor shines through from the chicken, cheese, and toasted bread.
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Smokey and spicy notes come from the chipotle sauce.
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Herbaceous and nutty basil pesto.
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Sweet and tart ripe tomatoes.
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Pungent and sharp red onion.
These components marry together to form a complex, crave-worthy flavor profile accented by the satisfying crunch of the focaccia bread. It’s a comforting warmth with a hint of spice.
Nutritional Aspects to Consider
While undeniably delicious, the Frontega Chicken does contain a higher calorie count along with more fat and sodium than lighter sandwiches:
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A full sandwich ranges from 600-700 calories.
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Significant fat content derives from cheese, pesto, chicken.
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Sodium levels can be high due to processed ingredients like cheese and chipotle sauce.
Those watching their intake of calories, fat, or sodium may prefer to customize or downsize their order. It’s always smart to review the nutritional information to best suit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Frontega Chicken
Here are answers to some of the most common questions surrounding this famous sandwich:
Is the Frontega Chicken spicy?
It has a mild spiciness from the chipotle sauce. The heat level is subtle and generally manageable.
Can I customize my Frontega Chicken sandwich order?
Yes, you can request ingredient swaps or omissions to better suit your preferences. Ask for extra pesto or no red onion, for example.
What’s the best way to reheat a Frontega Chicken sandwich?
Wrap it in foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This prevents the bread from drying out. Avoid microwaving.
Does Panera offer a vegetarian version of Frontega Chicken?
There is no official vegetarian version, but you can create one by substituting veggies for the chicken.
Can I make a copycat Frontega Chicken at home?
Definitely! Recipes abound online for replicating this sandwich with grocery store ingredients.
What drinks pair well with Frontega Chicken?
The flavors complement lighter choices like iced tea, lemonade, tomato soup, or coffee.
How does a half sandwich compare to a whole?
The half contains half the portion of ingredients and calories. Pairs well with a salad.
Panera’s Frontega Chicken Stands the Test of Time
The Frontega Chicken sandwich clearly has enduring appeal at Panera Bread. Its carefully crafted medley of flavors and textures has made it a menu icon. This sandwich satisfies cravings with its warm, comforting taste and subtle spice. Next time you visit Panera, consider savoring the signature flavors of Frontega Chicken for yourself!
How To Press A Sandwich?
Okay, this question may seem silly: how do you press a panini sandwich? But I’ve cleaned and made enough paninis to know the best way to do it.
- First, you need to grease the press so that almost nothing that falls out of the sandwich will stick.
- Spray it with cooking spray first. This will also make sure that the panini’s outside is golden brown.
- Carefully build your sandwich then transfer it to the press. Slowly put more pressure on the sandwich as you lower the top press.
- You might hear a sizzle. Don’t press any further and wait. We’ll wait three to five minutes for this sandwich to be fully warmed through and the cheese to melt.
After the sandwich is warm, remove it and immediately wipe your press down. When you wash it, you’ll be very mad at yourself for letting things get stuck on there.
What Bread To Use For a Panini?
For this specific panini we are using ciabatta. Its the perfect sandwich panini bread because thats whats in Paneras original Frontega Chicken Panini!.
Ciabatta bread crisps up great while still maintaining a soft bite, it wont destroy the roof of your mouth.
Another delicious panini bread option is sourdough. I love how sourdough toasts up in a panini press, and you can buy loaves that are already sliced, which is great for recipes like my Leftover Turkey Sandwich.
However if you dont have access to either of these, just grab an artisan loaf from the deli section of your grocery store. Almost anything other than plain white bread will work!