Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

There’s something truly satisfying about a well-made sandwich, and when it’s filled with juicy chicken, aromatic pesto, and gooey melted cheese, it becomes an irresistible meal.

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe is a perfect blend of savory flavors and textures, offering a gourmet experience right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a simple dinner, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into this easy, yet incredibly delicious recipe!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet or grill pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked through.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

1. Toast the Bread: While the chicken is resting, you can toast the ciabatta rolls. Spread a little butter on the cut sides of the rolls and toast them in the skillet or in the oven until they are golden and slightly crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Spread the Pesto: On the bottom half of each ciabatta roll, spread a generous amount of pesto sauce.
2. Add the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and layer them over the pesto.
3. Top with Cheese and Tomato: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken, followed by a slice of tomato.
4. Add Optional Toppings: If you’re using additional toppings like arugula or avocado, add them now. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
5. Close the Sandwich: Place the top half of the ciabatta roll over the fillings to complete the sandwich.

Step 5: Heat and Serve

1. Melt the Cheese: If you prefer your sandwich hot, you can place the assembled sandwiches in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Serve: Cut the sandwich in half for easier eating and serve it immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Sides

• Sweet Potato Fries: Serve your Chicken Pesto Sandwich with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a tasty and satisfying meal.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the sandwich.
• Soup: For a comforting meal, enjoy your sandwich with a bowl of tomato basil soup.

Drink Pairing

• Iced Tea: A glass of iced tea with a hint of lemon complements the flavors of the pesto and chicken.
• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the freshness of the pesto.

Tips for Success

Making the Perfect Pesto

• Homemade Pesto: If you have time, making your own pesto is worth the effort. Blend fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
• Adjusting the Flavor: If your pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of extra olive oil. Add more Parmesan for a cheesier flavor or more garlic for extra zing.

Choosing the Right Bread

• Ciabatta Rolls: Ciabatta is a great choice for this sandwich because it’s sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without getting soggy.
• Other Options: If you can’t find ciabatta, sourdough or a French baguette also work well.

Cooking the Chicken

• Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken instead of pan-frying. The grill marks add a nice touch to the presentation as well.
• Avoid Overcooking: To keep the chicken juicy, be careful not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Variations to Try

Caprese Chicken Sandwich

• Caprese Twist: Add fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to create a Caprese-style Chicken Pesto Sandwich. This variation adds a burst of freshness and acidity.

Spicy Chicken Pesto Sandwich

• Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add sliced jalapeños or a smear of spicy mayo to your sandwich. The heat contrasts nicely with the creamy pesto.

Vegetarian Pesto Sandwich

• Go Meatless: For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. The pesto and cheese will still deliver all the rich, satisfying flavors.

Conclusion

The Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic, this sandwich is packed with flavor and sure to please. With the combination of juicy chicken, creamy pesto, and melted cheese, it’s hard to go wrong. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can make it your own every time.

FAQs

Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly in this recipe. However, if you have the time, homemade pesto can add an extra layer of freshness.

Can I Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?

You can prepare the chicken and pesto ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving to keep the bread from getting soggy.

What Other Cheeses Can I Use?

Provolone, Swiss, or even cheddar cheese would work well in this sandwich if you prefer something other than mozzarella.

How Can I Make This Sandwich Gluten-Free?

Simply use a gluten-free bread or roll to make this sandwich gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover grilled or roasted chicken. Just slice it and add it to your sandwich.

Yield: 4

Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

Print

There’s something truly satisfying about a well-made sandwich, and when it’s filled with juicy chicken, aromatic pesto, and gooey melted cheese, it becomes an irresistible meal. This Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe is a perfect blend of savory flavors and textures, offering a gourmet experience right from your own kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a simple dinner, this sandwich is sure to hit the spot. Let's dive into this easy, yet incredibly delicious recipe!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 ciabatta rolls or sandwich buns
• ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 cup arugula or spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   Slice the ciabatta rolls in half and spread a generous amount of pesto on the bottom half of each roll.
   Place a cooked chicken cutlet on top of the pesto, followed by a slice of mozzarella cheese. Add a few slices of tomato and a handful of arugula or spinach leaves. If desired, spread mayonnaise on the top half of each roll.
   
4. Toast the Sandwiches (Optional):
   If you prefer a warm, melted sandwich, you can toast the assembled sandwiches in a panini press or in the skillet used to cook the chicken. Cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy.
   
5. Serve:
   Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich and serve immediately.

Notes

Pesto Options: You can use store-bought pesto or make your own using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Bread Alternatives: If ciabatta rolls are not available, you can use other types of bread like baguettes, sourdough, or focaccia.

Cheese Variations: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but you can also use provolone, Swiss, or even goat cheese for a different flavor.

Grilling Option: The chicken can also be grilled for a smoky flavor. Simply grill the seasoned chicken cutlets over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

Serving Suggestions: This sandwich pairs well with a side of sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or a cup of soup. It’s also great for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken before assembling the sandwich.