Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Print View)
Grilled chicken with basil pesto, mozzarella, and fresh vegetables on toasted ciabatta rolls.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Pesto
05 - 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
→ Bread & Assembly
06 - 4 ciabatta rolls or sandwich rolls, split
07 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 large tomato, sliced
09 - 1 cup baby arugula or spinach leaves
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
# Method:
01 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
02 - Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
03 - Place chicken cutlets on the hot grill pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes.
04 - Lightly toast the ciabatta rolls cut-side down on the grill or in a toaster if desired.
05 - Spread a thin layer of pesto on the bottom half of each roll.
06 - Top each roll with a grilled chicken cutlet, a slice of mozzarella, tomato slices, and a handful of arugula or spinach.
07 - Spread mayonnaise on the top half of each roll if using.
08 - Place the top bun on each sandwich, slice in half diagonally, and serve immediately.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- Ready in thirty minutes but tastes like something from a Italian café
- The pesto and mozzarella melt together into the most incredible sauce right on the bread
02 -
- Dont skip resting the chicken even for a couple minutes or you will lose all those delicious juices when you bite into it
- Toast the rolls even if you prefer soft bread because it creates a barrier that keeps the sandwich from falling apart
03 -
- Use store-bought pesto in a pinch but homemade with fresh basil pine nuts and good olive oil is absolutely worth the extra ten minutes
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly than cold straight from the fridge