Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Chicken Paninis

This is seriously one of my favorite recipes of all time. It all started my freshman year of high school when my friend Jocelyn invited me to a "Panini Party". I know what you're thinking. But trust me, all the cool kids were doing it. We were both taking a cooking class at the time, and after cooking it once in class, we were dying to have more. I like to think this recipe brought us together, and even after five years, we always cook this whenever we're both home on break.

Seriously, how can you resist this?!?!?

Sweet and Spicy Barbecue Chicken Paninis

3/4 lb boneless chicken breast, sliced
Salt and pepper
1/2 onion diced
2 cloves minced garlic
3/4 cup sweet and spicy barbecue sauce (I wholeheartedly recommend Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet & Spicy!)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 loaf baguette, cut lengthwise and in quarters
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and place in a heavy pot with the onion, garlic, and just enough water to cover (about 3/4 cup). Add the barbecue sauce, vinegar, and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken in cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken from the sauce and shred with two forks.
3. Boil the sauce, stirring occasionally until it is reduced by half (approx. 15 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.  Add the shredded chicken and heat through.
4. Heat a large nonstick skillet and toast the bread. Spoon the chicken mixture onto the bottom slices of bread and top with the shredded cheese.  Place the top halves of bread on top, and press the sandwiches with another large skillet until bread is flattened and heated through.

Tips:

If you want more heat to your sauce feel free to add a couple drops of your favorite hot sauce before you bring the mixture to a boil. However, if you like your barbecue on the sweeter side choose a hickory or even regular barbecue sauce. This is a REALLY forgiving recipe so feel free to experiment with the ratios! Also, smashing the bread with a heavy skillet is great and easy way to make a panini, without having to spend money on a panini press $$$!