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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Generously season both sides of chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning blend, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the spices into the meat.
- Warm of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot pan.
- 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.
- Without cleaning the skillet, lightly toast ciabatta rolls for 30-45 seconds on each side until edges become crisp and golden.
- Spread of mayonnaise on one half of each roll and of basil pesto on the opposite side.
- Layer each sandwich with a cooked chicken cutlet, 2 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, and 2-3 ripe tomato slices.
- 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.
- 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