Irresistible Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe for Lunch Magic

Sandwiches can turn an ordinary lunch into a delightful chicken pesto sandwich recipe that sparks culinary excitement.

The vibrant green sauce brings remarkable depth to every bite.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that tantalize your palate.

Juicy chicken pairs perfectly with aromatic basil and creamy pesto, making each layer a delectable experience.

Crisp bread serves as the ideal canvas for this mouthwatering combination.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a quick and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes.

Get ready to savor every delicious moment of this irresistible sandwich.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for a Chicken Pesto Sandwich

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that provides a hearty base for the sandwich with excellent protein content.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic blend that infuses the chicken with robust Mediterranean flavors and adds depth to the meat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify the chicken's natural taste and create a balanced flavor profile.

• Ciabatta Rolls: Rustic Italian bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior, perfect for holding robust sandwich ingredients.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that adds richness and helps bind ingredients together for a smooth texture.
• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce made from basil, garlic, and olive oil that brings a fresh, herbaceous kick to the sandwich.

• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, milky cheese that melts beautifully and provides a luxurious, creamy layer to the sandwich.
• Roma Tomatoes: Sweet, meaty tomatoes that contribute a juicy brightness and fresh element to the overall flavor.
• Avocado Oil: Light, neutral oil with a high smoke point ideal for grilling and brushing bread for a golden, crisp finish.

Tools for Toasting and Building the Sandwich

• Cutting board: Essential surface for slicing chicken and assembling sandwiches.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for cutting chicken breasts horizontally into even cutlets.
• Meat tenderizer or rolling pin: Helps pound chicken to uniform thickness.
• Large skillet: Primary cooking tool for searing chicken and toasting rolls.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and sandwiches during cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and oil.
• Tablespoon or spreader: Useful for evenly spreading mayonnaise and pesto.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature.

Simple Instructions for a Flavorful Pesto Sandwich

Creamy Pesto Chicken Delight

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets. Season generously with Italian herbs and spices to create a flavorful base for your sandwich masterpiece.

• Sizzling Skillet Magic

Heat a skillet with a splash of oil until it’s dancing with heat. Sear the seasoned chicken until it’s perfectly golden and cooked through, locking in all those mouthwatering flavors.

• Bread Transformation

Grab some fresh ciabatta rolls and give them a quick toast in the same skillet. Watch them turn a beautiful golden brown that’ll make your taste buds tingle.

• Sandwich Canvas

Spread a luxurious layer of creamy mayonnaise on one half of the roll, creating a smooth foundation. Dollop vibrant green pesto on the other half, bringing a burst of herbal excitement.

• Flavor Building

Layer the juicy chicken cutlet onto the mayo-kissed bread. Crown it with silky mozzarella slices and fresh tomato rounds that add a pop of color and freshness.

• Final Sizzle

Gently press the sandwich in the skillet, letting the heat melt the cheese and marry all the incredible flavors together. A light brush of oil ensures a crispy, golden exterior.

• Sandwich Celebration

Pull the sandwich from the skillet, slice diagonally, and get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’ll make your lunch absolutely unforgettable.

How to Switch Up the Ingredients With Style

• Flavor Boost Techniques: Marinate chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance moisture and taste depth.
• Cheese Swap Magic: Replace mozzarella with provolone or Swiss for different flavor profiles that complement the pesto beautifully.
• Veggie Power Upgrade: Add fresh arugula or baby spinach leaves for extra nutrition and a peppery crunch between sandwich layers.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap ciabatta rolls with gluten-free bread or large lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining delicious sandwich experience.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Grill multiple chicken cutlets ahead of time and store in refrigerator for quick sandwich assembly during busy weekdays, keeping protein ready within reach.

Ways to Serve Chicken Pesto Sandwiches Right

• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these sandwiches in an insulated lunch bag with ice packs for a delightful outdoor meal that stays fresh and tasty.
• Appetizer Potential: Slice the sandwich into smaller triangular portions for bite-sized party appetizers that will wow guests at gatherings or potlucks.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich pesto and mozzarella flavors with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or a light sauvignon blanc for an elevated dining experience.
• Side Dish Harmony: Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crispy kettle chips to add extra crunch and balance to the sandwich's creamy texture.

Store Your Sandwich Without Losing Freshness

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken cutlets in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each cutlet separately to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer.
• Smart Sandwich Assembly Tip: Prepare chicken and toast rolls ahead of time, keeping components separate. Assemble sandwiches just before serving to prevent bread from getting soggy and maintain crisp texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze unassembled chicken cutlets in individual freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating in a skillet for best results. Avoid freezing completed sandwiches to prevent texture breakdown.
• Lunch Prep Hack: Create sandwich kits by separating ingredients in compartmentalized containers. Pack mayonnaise, pesto, chicken, cheese, and tomatoes separately for fresh, crisp sandwiches at work or school. Assemble just before eating to keep ingredients at peak quality.

Zesty Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor this delightful chicken pesto sandwich crafted with layers of Mediterranean-inspired flavors and fresh ingredients. Homemade basil pesto and grilled chicken create a perfect harmony of taste and texture that satisfies hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb / 454 g)
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 6 oz (170 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half horizontally
• 4 tbsps mayonnaise (optional)
• ⅓ cup pesto
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• Avocado oil, for brushing
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep Chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin, uniform cutlets, using a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.
2. Season and Heat: Thoroughly coat chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat with avocado oil until shimmering.
3. Cook Chicken: Sear seasoned cutlets in hot skillet, cooking 3-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest.
4. Toast Bread: Use the same skillet to toast ciabatta roll halves cut-side down until golden and crispy.
5. Build Foundation: Spread mayonnaise on one half of each roll, then apply pesto to the corresponding halves, creating a flavorful base.
6. Layer Ingredients: Place cooked chicken cutlet on mayonnaise-covered roll, top with fresh mozzarella slices and tomato, then cover with pesto-spread roll half.
7. Final Grilling: Brush sandwich exteriors with avocado oil, then grill in skillet for approximately 2 minutes per side to melt cheese and warm ingredients.
8. Serve: Remove from heat, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while ingredients are warm and textures are optimal.

Notes

• Slice with Precision: Create even chicken cutlets by carefully slicing horizontally and gently pounding to ensure uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
• Season Generously: Coat chicken thoroughly with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to build deep, robust flavor throughout the entire cutlet.
• Heat Management: Use medium-high heat with avocado oil to achieve perfect sear, allowing oil to shimmer before adding chicken for optimal browning.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Position mozzarella strategically to slightly overlap chicken, enabling even melting and maximum cheese coverage during final grilling stage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg