Just wait until you taste the smokey grill flavor of this copycat Panera chicken frontega panini! Pulled smoked chicken is tossed in chipotle mayo and piled high on fresh bread with all the fixings for mouthwatering goodness in every bite.

Hand holding two halves of a copycat panera chicken frontega panini outside in front of a wooden fence

Why I Love This Recipe

The chicken frontega sandwich has been my go-to Panera order for YEARS! So of course I had to figure out how to make it at home. And trust me, this copycat Panera chicken frontega panini is absolutely perfect for sunny weekends!

The sandwich is basically a spicy caprese. You get the southwest flair of chipotle mayo and pulled chicken with the classic Italian flavors of fresh basil and mozzarella. What could be better than that?

I also love the blend of textures. The crispiness from the crust of the fresh bread gives it just the right bite. It’s a wonderful balance with the soft melty cheese, tomato, and tender pulled chicken.

Technically, because this sandwich is made with Italian focaccia and served warm, it’s considered a panini. However, I don’t actually press it. I just pop it back on the grill until the cheese is perfectly melty!

Side angle of sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and basil in separate white bowls on a countertop with sliced focaccia in the background

What’s in the Panera Bread Frontega Chicken Panini

If you’ve ever ordered this sandwich out in the wild, you know what a mouthwatering combination of tastes and textures it is! There’s a reason it’s been my favorite for so long.

The Panera Bread version includes smoked pulled chicken, chipotle sauce, mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, red onion, fresh basil, and a little salt and pepper on black pepper focaccia. And this copycat version includes… the same ingredients!

That’s what makes it such a great dupe. But the best part is that you don’t even have to leave your house to enjoy it!

And while I appreciate the quality at Panera, there’s just something about the homemade version of this sandwich that makes it extra amazing. You know the ingredients are completely fresh, it’s assembled with love, and you can dig in while it’s hot off the grill.

Chipotle mayo, mozzarella, sliced red onion, fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and focaccia all in separate bowls or ramekins on a wooden table outside in the sunlight

Four chicken breasts being cooked on a grill outside, already flipped once so the top side is showing grill marks

Variations for this Frontega Chicken Panini

Traditionally, this sandwich is served on fresh focaccia bread. If you’re looking for something a little different, I’ve used ciabatta rolls from a local bakery and the result was phenomenal. I’ve even used sourdough before if you’re interested in a flavor twist!

Don’t have a smoker for the chicken? No problem! You can add a few chunks of applewood to your charcoal to get that smokey flavor on a regular grill.

Craving this sandwich in the dead of winter when your grill is under a foot of snow? In a pinch, you can always grab rotisserie chicken from the store and add a little liquid smoke to it. Use a skillet or panini press to melt the cheese and toast your sandwich!

Closeup of the sandwich being assembled on a wooden table outside in the sunlight

Stacked dishes with leftover ingredients after assembling the sandwiches

What to Serve with a Chicken Frontega Sandwich

Lemon Parmesan Grilled Asparagus — Since you’re already grilling your sandwich, whip up this delicious and nutritious side to go with it.
Panzanella Salad — Have leftover tomatoes, basil, red onion, and bread? Throw in some chopped cucumber, parsley, and oil and enjoy!
Pasta Fagioli Soup — Because when you’re craving comfort, nothing hits the spot like soup and a sandwich!
Smokey Roasted Carrots with Tahini Ranch — If you can’t get enough of that smokey flavor, you’re going to love this side.

Sandwiches assembled and ready to be served on a wooden table outside with grill in the background

What to Do With Leftover Smoked Pulled Chicken

If you end up with more chicken than you can fit on your sandwich, lucky you! These are the kinds of leftovers you’ll enjoy for days. Just be sure to store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I usually toss any extra chicken in the chipotle mayo and use it for sandwiches for the rest of the week. It’s also delicious mixed with celery, red onion, and grapes for some chicken salad with a kick.

I’ve also been known to throw it into some spicy chicken chipotle pasta if I’m craving even more cheesy comfort. So good!

Four sandwiches assembled and sitting on a wooden table in the sunlight, ready to be served

Other Delicious Sandwich Recipes

California Sunrise Breakfast Sandwich

Maple Dijon Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Roasted Butternut Squash & Apple Grilled Cheese

Ultimate French Toast Grilled Cheese