Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Print)
Grilled chicken, basil pesto, tomato and mozzarella on toasted ciabatta—ready in 30 minutes.
# Ingredient list:
→ 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
→ Sandwich Components
06 - 4 ciabatta rolls or sturdy sandwich buns
07 - 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
09 - 1 cup baby arugula or spinach leaves
10 - 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting bread)
# Directions:
01 - Slice chicken breasts horizontally to form thin cutlets. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
02 - Preheat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken cutlets for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the meat is fully cooked and golden. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes, then slice if preferred.
03 - If desired, lightly butter the inside of each roll. Toast cut sides against the grill or skillet until golden brown.
04 - Generously spread pesto onto the bottom half of each roll. Layer grilled chicken slices, fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and arugula or spinach leaves, then cap with the remaining halves.
05 - Serve warm or at room temperature.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No one expects a homemade sandwich to taste like something straight out of an Italian café until they try this.
- The simple layering of bright pesto and gooey mozzarella is pure lunch magic—plus, it's lightning-fast to make.
02 -
- One time I rushed and stacked everything while the chicken was still blazing hot—my cheese completely slipped out the sides, so a brief rest is worth the wait.
- Switching to homemade pesto with extra lemon zest brought every flavor alive the first time I tried it.
03 -
- If the pan isn't hot enough at the start, your chicken will end up pale and dry instead of appetizingly golden.
- Tucking in the mozzarella before the final layer helps it melt more evenly—try it once and you'll be hooked.