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
- 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
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin, uniform cutlets, using a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.
- 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.
- 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.
- Toast Bread: Use the same skillet to toast ciabatta roll halves cut-side down until golden and crispy.
- Build Foundation: Spread mayonnaise on one half of each roll, then apply pesto to the corresponding halves, creating a flavorful base.
- Layer Ingredients: Place cooked chicken cutlet on mayonnaise-covered roll, top with fresh mozzarella slices and tomato, then cover with pesto-spread roll half.
- Final Grilling: Brush sandwich exteriors with avocado oil, then grill in skillet for approximately 2 minutes per side to melt cheese and warm ingredients.
- 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