Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Printable)
Grilled chicken with basil pesto, mozzarella, and fresh veggies on toasted ciabatta rolls.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
→ Marinade & Seasonings
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pesto
05 - 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
→ Sandwich Assembly
06 - 4 ciabatta rolls or sandwich buns
07 - 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 tomato, sliced
09 - 1/2 cup baby spinach or arugula
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
11 - 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns (optional)
# How To Make:
01 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets for even cooking.
02 - Toss chicken cutlets in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
04 - Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each chicken piece during the final minute of cooking and cover briefly to melt.
05 - Butter the cut sides of the ciabatta rolls and toast in a pan cut-side down until golden, if desired.
06 - Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll, then layer 1 tablespoon of basil pesto over the mayo or directly on the bread.
07 - Layer spinach or arugula, a sliced tomato, and the warm chicken with melted mozzarella onto each bottom bun. Cap with the top half and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It hits that perfect sweet spot between feeling like a real meal and coming together in barely any time at all
- The combination of warm melted mozzarella and bright basil pesto is the kind of thing that makes you close your eyes while eating
02 -
- Overcooking the chicken cutlets happens faster than you think because they are thin, so pull them the moment they feel firm to a quick press
- Patting the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before assembling prevents the bread from turning mushy by the time you take your last bite
03 -
- Let the chicken rest for one minute off the heat before assembling so the juices redistribute instead of flooding the bread
- Warm the pesto slightly in a spoon over the hot pan for a few seconds before spreading, it softens and spreads more evenly