Guess who has been up since 3:30?! Nope, not Kaitlyn. She went right back down after her 3:30 snack, but me… well my insomnia decided there were much more important things to do like read strangers’ how-we-met stories on my phone, mentally record mine and David’s for future reference then contemplate how hard it would be to get my old computer to Best Buy with two kids in tow to see if they could retrieve long lost college photos. Then wonder if I really want to see those anyway. So as if you couldn’t grasp it on your own, I’ve been up nearly 3.5 hours and have yet to do anything deemed productive. However, I do have something yummy to share today if you can make it through my rambles.
Nope, not this, but I was hoping a pretty picture of my favorite breakfast of the moment would keep you scrolling. If not that, how about a baby picture?
Did it work? Ok, let’s talk first about yesterday morning. Hailey was playing with a friend and felt quite footloose and fancy free with just Kaitlyn. We drove to another neighborhood and did a mile loop along the golf course. Only a mile because after my run, though my legs felt great, my lower abs were on fire. I guess you do use those suckers while running and mine have yet to return since Kaitlyn made her appearance. Note taken.
When Kaitlyn took her stroller nap, I headed to HEbrews, an adorable little coffee shop. If you ask me, what the world needs is more cute coffee joints and less Starbucks. …wait… where’d everybody go?
After a peaceful 45 minutes we headed home and did the whole lunch and books dance. The storms really rolled in at that point and we all spent the afternoon napping peacefully.
Juuuuust kidding.
Why don’t my babies like to sleep on me? I promise I shower at least every 4 days. Not wanting to use the TV after nap, I decided we needed to venture out.
For what?, you may ask. A single tomato. Not because I didn’t have tomatoes at home, but because they were yellow. And I wanted a red one. Guilt ensued so I bought two. And some honey because, well, why not.
After stalling by chatting with a friend at the market, then driving around the neighborhood until Hailey called me out demanding to know just what we were doing (mom of the year I tell ya!), we arrived back home. Where I made a sandwich.
And it was good. So I decided to blog about it today. And here we finally are at the point of this entire monologue… I made a sandwich. YUM.
Pan-fried Chicken Caprese Panini
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
These flavor-packed paninis capture all of summer’s flavors in each bite while the pan-fried chicken adds a nice crunch and heartiness to fill you up.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 egg
- 3 Tbsp milk
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 3 Tbsp oil
- 2 tomatoes
- 20 large basil leaves
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 8 slices sourdough bread
Instructions
- Pound the chicken until it is 1/4-1/2 inch thick. Cut each one in half to create 4 chicken pieces.
- Set up dredging station by mixing egg and milk together in one bowl and the breadcrumbs in another.
- Dredge each chicken piece in egg mixture, then breadcrumbs and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken breast to the skillet. Cook 2-3 minutes before flipping them over for another 2 minutes, or until cooked through. Set aside.
- Assemble the sandwiches by brushing each slice of bread with a little olive oil, then layering 4-5 basil leaves, 1/4 cup mozzarella, 1-2 tomato slices sprinkled with salt, chicken and another 1/4 cup mozzarella for each sandwich.
- Press them in a panini maker and serve.
What are your favorite panini combos?
Karen says
I completely agree with your idea of more little coffee houses and less Starbucks…..I have never been to one and never plan to be in the future.
We have a few favorites here in WI that are much more personal and affordable with much better coffee/teas.
Hanna says
You have the best personality! Maybe you will take a ‘for real’ nap today, seeing how you’ve been awake for hours already. : )
Denise says
Very cute post, Brittany, and I completely agree that we need more little coffee shops instead of Starbucks… I am not a fan of them at all! Hope you get a nap in today! Good luck!
Marjorie says
That sandwich looks awesome! I love sandwiches. Right now I am digging on my fave breakfast sandwich combo: avocado, tomato, either cheddar or mozzarella and egg (or egg white) on wheat. YUM! I will add a little sriracha if I am feeling wild and crazy.
I do love Starbucks, but I agree about the other cutesy coffee shops. They just have more personality! There is a great one in Birmingham called O’Henry’s that I just adore. They are local, and they even roast and sell their own coffee blends at several of the local grocery stores.
Lauren B. says
This entire post had me laughing! You may be severely sleep deprived, but it works well for you, sister! 🙂
Here’s hoping you get a nap today !
Brittany Dixon says
Haha, thanks Lauren! Not sure it really works for me, but I’m trying. 😉 How are you doing mama??
Lauren B. says
I’m doing well, thanks! These past two weeks have flown by. Luke is proving to be a better sleeper than Jackson was, so I’m very thankful for that. I love my boys!! I’m dreading when my parents leave tomorrow, but I guess reality has to set in some time!
Brittany Dixon says
Yay for sleep!! That’s great! I remember feeling like ‘AH oh no’ when all my helpers left, but you will figure it out and do great with it all, I have no doubt 🙂
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Sounds like a busy but great day! And the sandwich…ooooo that looks so tasty. Want it.
Brittany Dixon says
Actually it was quite the relaxing day! Thus why I had nothing to write about but my dinner, haha! It just sounds drawn out because when I’m tired I ramble… but I didn’t need to point that out did I? 😉
Domi @ Eat, Pray, Lift says
Haha, your rambles crack me up! That sandwich looks delicious though, and definitely warrants a trip to the farmer’s market for a single red tomato.
Maria says
I’m for less Starbucks and more of those paninis! This sounds delicious! I think I’d add bacon to mine for full blown amazingness.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh yes, bacon! Isn’t everything better with bacon??
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
I used to make so many different types of panini sandwiches but, for some reason, don’t think about those nearly as often anymore. My favorites include peanut butter & banana and chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomato tapenade, and provolone cheese. Pondering this is making me hungry!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily says
The other night, I went to bed at 10, woke up with Emma at 1:30, she was back to sleep by 2 and I stared at the ceiling until nearly 6am and then all 4 kids were up by 8am. BRUTAL.
Love the picture of napping chest baby, I’m kind of sad that E doesn’t really want to nap on me anymore, she gets super restless and then passes out as soon as I lay her down. *sigh*
Brittany Dixon says
Oh man, Jen, that is a brutal night of no sleep! I hope it was a one time thing!
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Drooling!
She Rocks Fitness says
This panini looks pretty perfect to me! I love panini’s with pesto, cheese, salty Italian meats. 🙂 Like I said, I would have no problem devouring yours. Thanks for sharing!
Jessica says
You’re a funny lady 🙂
Anne Kendall says
Dear Brittany,
As a long-time reader who rarely comments, I just wanted to say: stop *joking* about being Mom of the Year, and *own* Mom of the Year. You have two beautiful daughters whom you obviously love with all your heart. You seem to always find wholesome, interesting, fun things to do with them — things that might seem mundane to you, but that inspire me as a hopeful future mom. You feed your children tasty, healthful foods that nourish their little bodies and develop curiosities. You somehow still find time for yourself, your husband, your personal life, your fitness passion, your mental health, and so much more. All that said… You *are* Mom of the Year to Hailey and Kaitlyn. (Thanks for the daily inspiration!)
Brittany Dixon says
Anne, can I just say thank you? Thank you for taking the time to comment and leaving such kind, sincere words. I certainly try my best but sometimes feel like I’m falling short, but a little affirmation and virtual high five like your comment completely re-energize me. I really appreciate it!
Nancy @ WeightLossShakesx.net says
I love healthy sandwiches. I’ll surely prepare this snack for my family.
Thank you for the post.
Jillian @ Baby Doodah! says
You, your life and your stories are adorable. I absolutely love reading your blog.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Okay, this sandwich looks SO delicious! I already know I would love it. Also, I totally agree LESS STARBUCKS, people! I’m one of those haters, but I reallllllly don’t like starbucks and I’m tired of everyone snapping a photo of their white and green cups. I agree, more small coffee shops. End rant!
Kiki says
My favorite panini combo is ciabatta bread with olive spread, can of tuna mixed with artichoke hearts, a slice a cheese. Soooo good!
Tammi @Momma's Meals says
I just love your blog. I am making this deliciousness for my husband and I this weekend for our weekly “date night” that’s aka. we put the kids to bed, jump in our pajama’s, eat something HOT and catch up on Ray Donovan 😉