Irresistible Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe Ready in Minutes

A chicken pesto sandwich changes ordinary lunch into a culinary adventure with its vibrant, herbaceous profile.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Succulent chicken meets bright, aromatic pesto in a delightful gastronomic embrace.

Crisp vegetables and melty cheese elevate this sandwich beyond simple fare.

Layered between perfectly toasted bread, each component contributes its unique character to the overall experience.

Weekday meals never looked so sophisticated yet remained wonderfully approachable.

Why Chicken Pesto Sandwiches Are Always a Good Idea

• Savor Quick Gourmet Satisfaction: This chicken pesto sandwich delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy lunch lovers who crave delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Texture-Rich Comfort: Crispy toasted ciabatta, melted mozzarella, and juicy chicken create a symphony of textures that transform an ordinary sandwich into a mouthwatering experience with every single bite.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Simple seasoning techniques and flexible ingredients allow home cooks of all skill levels to personalize this sandwich, turning a basic recipe into their own signature dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor potential.

What You’ll Need for a Great Chicken Pesto Sandwich

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the base of the sandwich, choose fresh, high-quality boneless and skinless chicken for best results.

• Ciabatta Rolls: Rustic Italian bread with soft interior and crispy crust, perfect for holding sandwich ingredients and toasting well.

• Mozzarella Slices: Mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a smooth texture to the sandwich.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that provides moisture and richness to the sandwich.
• Pesto: Herby, garlicky sauce that adds vibrant flavor and green color to the sandwich.

• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste and brings out the chickens natural flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides a slight heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Avocado Oil: High smoke point oil ideal for searing chicken and toasting bread, with a neutral flavor.
• Tomato Slices: Fresh ingredient that adds moisture, brightness, and color to the sandwich.

How to Build a Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. If needed, gently pound the cutlets to ensure even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken cutlets, ensuring a flavorful coating.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked through and golden brown.

Step 4: Toast Bread

In the same skillet, lightly toast ciabatta rolls until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 5: Spread Condiments

Generously spread mayonnaise on one side of each roll and pesto on the opposite side.

Step 6: Layer Sandwich Ingredients

• Cooked chicken cutlet
• Mozzarella slices
• Fresh tomato slices

Step 7: Grill Sandwich

Brush the tops of the sandwiches with a light layer of oil. Cook in the skillet for 2 minutes per side, allowing the cheese to melt and ingredients to warm through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer sandwiches to plates and serve immediately while warm and deliciously melty.

Tips for Toasting the Perfect Chicken Pesto Sandwich

• Slice Smart: Cut chicken breasts horizontally with a sharp knife for even, thin cutlets that cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Season Generously: Use a blend of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse deep flavor into the chicken before cooking.
• Sear for Perfection: Get a golden-brown crust by using high heat and avoiding moving the chicken while it sears in the skillet.
• Toast with Care: Lightly toast ciabatta rolls in the same skillet to soak up delicious chicken drippings and add extra crunch.
• Melt and Press: Gently press sandwiches while cooking to help cheese melt and ingredients meld together for maximum flavor impact.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Pesto Sandwiches the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken pesto sandwiches in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerated sandwiches stay delicious for 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Revive cold sandwiches by using a skillet or panini press for crispy results. Warm sandwiches over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring the cheese melts and bread turns golden. Alternatively, use an oven preheated to 350°F, wrapping sandwiches in foil to prevent drying out. Heat for 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• Quality Tip: Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make bread soggy and cheese rubbery.

What Complements a Chicken Pesto Sandwich

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the pesto's herbal notes and cuts through the richness of the chicken and mozzarella.
• Pair with Fresh Summer Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a zesty contrast to the warm, melty sandwich and adds a refreshing crunch to the meal.
• Match with Tangy Pickle Side: Garlic dill pickles or quick-pickled vegetables offer a bright, acidic counterpoint to the creamy pesto and cheese, balancing the sandwich's rich flavors.
• Serve with Mediterranean Inspired Chips: Rosemary sea salt potato chips or pita chips echo the Italian herbs in the pesto and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the sandwich.

New Spins on the Classic Chicken Pesto Sandwich

• Mediterranean Spin: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese and add sliced cucumber for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Mix sriracha into mayonnaise, add pepper jack cheese, and include roasted green chiles for a zesty kick.
• Herb Garden Version: Swap pesto with fresh herb spread made from chopped basil, parsley, and chives mixed with cream cheese for a lighter, garden-fresh taste.
• Smoky Bacon Upgrade: Crisp bacon strips added between chicken and cheese create a rich, smoky dimension to the classic sandwich.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent chicken meets zesty pesto in this Mediterranean-inspired sandwich masterpiece. Crisp ciabatta bread cradles herb-marinated chicken, creating a delightful harmony of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Proteins:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound / 454 grams)
• 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh mozzarella, sliced

Bread and Base:

• 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half horizontally

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided (optional)
• ⅓ cup pesto, divided

Additional Ingredients:

• 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• Avocado oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin and uniform cutlets, ensuring each piece is approximately 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) thick by gently pounding with a meat tenderizer.
2. Generously season both sides of chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning blend, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the spices into the meat.
3. Warm of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot pan.
4. Sear chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and achieving a golden-brown exterior.
5. Without cleaning the skillet, lightly toast ciabatta rolls for 30-45 seconds on each side until edges become crisp and golden.
6. Spread of mayonnaise on one half of each roll and of basil pesto on the opposite side.
7. Layer each sandwich with a cooked chicken cutlet, 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, and 2-3 ripe tomato slices.
8. Lightly brush the top of each sandwich with additional avocado oil and return to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy.
9. Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and fragrant.

Notes

• Searing the chicken ensures a delicious golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
• Toasting the ciabatta rolls in the same skillet picks up extra flavor from the chicken’s seasoning.
• Layering mozzarella and tomato adds a classic Italian-inspired touch to this quick and satisfying sandwich.
• Brushing the tops with oil creates a crispy, golden crust that elevates the entire sandwich experience.
• Cooking the assembled sandwich briefly helps melt the cheese and blend the flavors together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg