Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Printable Version)
Grilled chicken, vibrant pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes on toasted ciabatta for a quick, satisfying lunch.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Pesto
05 - 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
→ Sandwich Assembly
06 - 4 ciabatta rolls or sturdy sandwich buns
07 - 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
09 - 1 cup baby arugula or spinach leaves
10 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for toasting bread)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Horizontally slice chicken breasts into thin cutlets. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with salt and black pepper.
03 - Grill chicken cutlets for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a cutting board and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Slice as desired.
04 - If using, lightly spread butter on the cut sides of each roll. Toast on the grill pan or skillet, cut sides down, until golden brown.
05 - Spread a generous spoonful of basil pesto onto the bottom half of each toasted roll.
06 - Arrange grilled chicken slices over the pesto. Top with mozzarella slices, tomato, and arugula or spinach leaves. Close each sandwich with the top half of the roll.
07 - Serve sandwiches warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This sandwich packs all the punchy flavors of pesto chicken in a grab-and-go package you can actually look forward to at lunchtime.
- The combination of melty mozzarella, crisp greens, and juicy chicken tucked inside warm, toasty bread is comfort food without the fuss.
02 -
- If you underestimate the chicken’s thickness, you’ll end up waiting forever and risk drying it out.
- Letting the grilled chicken rest before slicing really does keep it juicy—skip this and you’ll lose all those tasty juices.
03 -
- Always let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing—it keeps your sandwich juicy and flavorful.
- Swapping in nut-free pesto lets everyone join in without worry.