Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Name: Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup pesto sauce; 2 boneless and skinless chicken meat; 8 slices of bread; 4 slices of mozzarella cheese; 1 sliced tomato; 1/2 teaspoon of salt; 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon of paprika

Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a perfect combination of grilled chicken and pesto sauce with toasted bread.

Italian Cuisine

May 22, 2023

Difficulty Easy

Servings 4 people

Preparation 15 mins

Cooking 20 mins

Total 35 mins

Recipe Contents

Ingredients Directions Nutrition Equipments Tips

Ingredients

2 boneless and skinless chicken meat
8 slices of bread
4 slices of mozzarella cheese
1 sliced tomato
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 cup pesto sauce

Directions

Preheat the grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
Marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Grill the chicken breasts for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Prepare homemade pesto sauce using fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts or walnuts, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
While the chicken is resting, spread homemade pesto sauce on one side of each bread slice.
Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin strips.
To assemble the sandwich, place the sliced chicken on bread slices.
Top the chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese, followed by tomato slices and fresh basil leaves.
Place the remaining bread slices on top, pesto side down.
Toast the sandwich in a panini press, grill pan, or skillet for a few minutes on each side until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
Once toasted, remove the sandwich from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Cut the sandwich in half, and serve it immediately.

Pesto Sauce Recipe

Pesto Sauce Ingredients

1 sprig of basil
2 tablespoons of pine nut
2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese
2 cloves of garlic
1 cup of sunflower oil
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Pesto Sauce Directions

Wash the basil and seperate the leaves. Drain the leaves.

Grate the parmesan cheese.

Turn the pine nut over the fire until it becomes caramel, then beat it. Leave the cool.

Mix the basil and gather with the pine nut, parmesan cheese and garlic while adding olive oil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Serves 4

Amount Per Serving

Calories416

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 21.6 g27.7%

Cholesterol 91 mg30.3%

Sodium 1104 mg48%

Protein 34.5 g69%

Potassium 58 mg1.2%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Tips

Use boneless and skinless chicken breast.
Marinate the chicken. For added flavor, marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors.
Grill or pan-sear the chicken. Cook the marinated chicken breast on a grill or in a hot skillet until it's cooked through. This will add a delicious smoky flavor.
You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken rest. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This makes the chicken meat more juicy.
Slice the chicken breast into thin, even slices. This will make it easier to bite into and distribute evenly throughout the sandwich.
Use homemade pesto sauce. Make your own pesto with fresh ingredients. This adds more flavor to the sandwich.
Use ciabatta, baguette, sourdough, or focaccia to make a chicken sandwich with pesto. Slice the bread into appropriate sandwich-sized pieces. For more, check out our ‘Types of Bread’ article.
You can use homemade or store-bought bread.
Toast or grill the bread. To add crunch, toast or grill the sandwich bread before assembling the sandwich. You can brush the bread with olive oil or butter for extra flavor.
Layer the ingredients. Spread pesto sauce on both slices of bread. Layer the cooked chicken breasts on one side. Add cheese and any additional toppings.
Add fresh and crunchy veggies. For texture and freshness, add sliced tomatoes, lettuce, arugula, or cucumber to the sandwich.
You can also add sliced avocado or caramelized onions.
Press the sandwich. If you have a panini press or a sandwich press, press it after it's assembled. This will help melt the cheese and give more flavor to the sandwich.
Cut the sandwich into halves and serve it immediately. It's best enjoyed while the bread is still warm and crispy.

Rate This Recipe

Pesto Chicken Sandwich is a feast for the senses. With each bite, you'll experience mouthwatering flavors of juicy chicken, creamy pesto, and crunchy bread.

Looking for a quick and satisfying meal? This Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe can elevate your lunchtime experience with your family. Enjoy your sandwich experience with this chicken sandwich.

Equipment for this recipe

Measuring Cup

Mixing Bowls

Cutting Board

Cast Iron Grill Pan

Toasters

Chef Knife

What Is a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?

A chicken pesto sandwich is a delicious sandwich made with grilled or roasted chicken, pesto sauce, and various toppings. It is a combination of tender chicken breast, pesto sauce, and additional ingredients such as cheese and vegetables. This grilled chicken sandwich is often served on bread that has been toasted to add a crispy texture.

To make a pesto chicken sandwich, season the chicken before cooking. Use homemade pesto sauce. Add any additional toppings, such as fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, arugula, lettuce, avocado, or caramelized onions.

Chicken pesto sandwiches can be served warm as a side dish with chips, fries, or a fresh salad.

How to Make the Best Homemade Pesto Sauce?

To make the best pesto sauce at home, here are some tips:

Use fresh ingredients.
Toast the nuts. To enhance their flavor, lightly toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and golden brown. Let them cool before using.
Grate the cheese fresh. Pre-grated cheese may not have the same depth of flavor and can affect the texture of the sauce.
Don't overmix the ingredients. This can cause the basil to oxidize and turn the sauce brown. Blend or pulse until you achieve a smooth yet slightly textured consistency.
Use a food processor or blender. For a smoother sauce, blend longer until the mixture is more uniform. You can also add a little extra olive oil if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Season it to taste. Taste the pesto sauce and adjust the seasoning.

To make pesto sauce at home, check out our ‘Homemade Pesto Sauce Recipe’.

What Type of Bread Is Best For Making a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?

To make a chicken pesto sandwich, there are a few options that you can use. Ciabatta, baguette, sourdough, focaccia, or whole wheat or multigrain bread are ideal for this sandwich recipe.

When choosing the best bread, consider the crustiness, softness, and overall taste of the bread. Select a bread that can hold up to the fillings and grilling process.

For more, check out our ‘Types of Bread’ article.

To make your sandwich bread at home, you can try our delicious homemade bread recipes:

What To Serve with Pesto Chicken Sandwich?

Pesto chicken sandwiches can be served with several delectable options from soup to salad to enhance your meal. This chicken sandwich goes well with a warm bowl of tomato soup or vegetable soup. It can be served with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. To make a healthy and light meal, serve with green salad or quinoa salad. Serve it as a side dish with chips or french fries.

Here are our delicious recipes that you can serve with Chicken Pesto Sandwich:

How To Store Chicken Pesto Sandwich?

To store a pesto chicken sandwich, wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its flavor and prevent it from drying out. If the sandwich contains any perishable ingredients like cheese or vegetables, store it in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Refrigerating the bread may make it softer.

You can store the sandwich at room temperature for two hours. When ready to enjoy the sandwich, unwrap it, reheat it in a toaster oven or panini press.

Discard the sandwich if it shows any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold.

Can Chicken Pesto Sandwich Be Frozen?

Yes, grilled chicken pesto sandwiches can be frozen. However, the texture of the sandwich may change slightly after thawing. To freeze the chicken pesto sandwich:

Assemble the sandwich completely.
Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place the wrapped sandwich in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container.
Place it in the freezer and store it for up to 1 month.

How To Reheat Chicken Pesto Sandwich?

To reheat the chicken pesto sandwich,

Panini Press or Grill Pan: If your sandwich has cheese or other meltable ingredients, using a panini press or a grill pan can be the best way to reheat it. Preheat the panini press or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich on the panini press or in the grill pan and press it down gently. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted, the fillings are heated, and the bread is toasted.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175°C). Remove any foil or plastic wrap from the sandwich and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the sandwich is heated through and the bread becomes slightly crispy.

Toaster Oven: Place the sandwich on the toaster oven rack. Toast it for a few minutes until heated through and the bread is toasted.

When reheating chicken sandwiches, check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165 °F (74 °C). Once reheated, allow the sandwich to cool slightly before enjoying it.

Recipe byPetite Gourmets