Pesto Chicken Perfection

Welcome to your culinary escape, where bistro-quality dining meets the comfort of your home kitchen! This **Toasted Chicken Pesto Sandwich** is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, perfectly toasted bread, layered with succulent, perfectly seasoned chicken, vibrant Roma tomatoes, and creamy, exquisitely melted mozzarella. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, elevated by fragrant Italian seasoning and rich, buttery pesto. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this gourmet sandwich brings sophisticated tastes to your table with remarkable ease, proving that exceptional flavor can be both simple and satisfying.

Cross section of a chicken pesto sandwich resting on the lip of a plate, with other sandwiches in the background.

Contents

🥪 Why This Toasted Chicken Pesto Sandwich Is an Absolute Must-Try

Prepare to elevate your lunch or dinner routine with a sandwich that consistently delivers on taste, texture, and satisfaction. This Chicken Pesto Sandwich isn’t just good; it’s exceptionally good, and here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

A Revolutionary Hot Sandwich Experience: Bid farewell to mundane cold cuts and bland fillings. This chicken pesto sandwich redefines the concept of a hot sandwich. Infused with a harmonious blend of classic Italian flavors, from the savory chicken to the aromatic pesto and fresh tomatoes, every element comes together beautifully. What truly sets it apart is the gentle toasting in a skillet, which works magic on the mozzarella, transforming it into a wonderfully warm, gooey, and irresistible layer of creamy goodness. It’s a delightful departure from the ordinary, offering a comforting warmth and depth of flavor that a cold sandwich simply cannot match.
Perfectly Filling, Yet Surprisingly Light: Despite its robust flavor profile and hearty ingredients, this sandwich strikes an impressive balance, leaving you feeling perfectly satisfied without any heavy, weighed-down sensation. The juicy chicken provides ample protein, while the fresh tomatoes add a burst of acidity and lightness. Even with the richness of pesto, which contributes healthy fats and incredible taste, the overall impression is one of wholesome fulfillment. It’s the ideal meal for those seeking something substantial and flavorful but still mindful of feeling light and energetic afterward.
The Unparalleled Perfection of Ciabatta Bread: Oh, the bread! A truly great sandwich starts with truly great bread, and ciabatta reigns supreme in this recipe. This traditional Italian white bread boasts a unique texture that is nothing short of perfection for sandwiches. It’s delightfully dense yet possesses a pleasing chewiness, offering a satisfying bite with every mouthful. But the real star is its incredible crust – wonderfully crisp and robust, it provides structural integrity, ensuring that all the delicious fillings stay neatly tucked inside. Ciabatta not only holds up beautifully to the warm ingredients and toasting process but also adds its own subtle, yeasty flavor, enhancing the overall Italian experience. If you haven’t experienced the magic of ciabatta in a hot sandwich, prepare to be converted!
A Symphony of Italian Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, vibrant pesto, fresh mozzarella, and ripe Roma tomatoes, all seasoned with classic Italian herbs, creates an exquisite taste experience. The rich, herbaceous notes of pesto complement the savory chicken, while the tomatoes add a refreshing counterpoint. The creamy, melted mozzarella binds everything together, delivering that comforting, indulgent factor.
Effortless Gourmet in Minutes: One of the greatest virtues of this sandwich is its deceptive simplicity. Despite tasting like it came from a high-end cafe, it’s incredibly straightforward to prepare. With minimal cooking steps and easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up this gourmet delight in about 30 minutes. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time, or for a quick, impressive lunch that feels like a treat.

Side view of a chicken pesto sandwich on a plate with 3 other pesto sandwiches.

👩🏼‍🍳 Chef’s Expert Tips for the Ultimate Sandwich

Transform your sandwich-making from good to extraordinary with these tried-and-true chef’s tips. A few simple adjustments can make all the difference in achieving the perfect Toasted Chicken Pesto Sandwich:

Unleash the Panini Press Power: If you’re fortunate enough to own a panini press, now is its moment to shine! While a skillet works wonderfully, a panini press takes your sandwich to the next level. Instead of merely toasting your assembled sandwich in a frying pan, place it into the heated panini press. The even heat and gentle pressure will create a beautifully golden, uniformly toasted crust on both sides, complete with those iconic grill marks. More importantly, it presses all the glorious fillings together, resulting in a cohesive, melty, and incredibly creamy hot sandwich where every ingredient is perfectly integrated. It’s a game-changer for texture and overall enjoyment.
Customize to Your Heart’s Content: This recipe is a fantastic foundation, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! Personalize your sandwich with ingredients you love or have on hand.
- Greens: Add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach for a peppery kick and extra nutrients. Their slight bitterness offers a lovely contrast to the rich pesto and creamy mozzarella.
- Tomatoes: Swap out Roma tomatoes for sweet and tangy sun-dried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated) to intensify the flavor, or try slices of heirloom tomatoes for a vibrant color and fresh taste.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses. Swiss cheese offers a nutty flavor, provolone provides a sharper, more robust taste, while smoked mozzarella can add an unexpected depth. Even a sprinkle of Parmesan inside can boost the Italian essence.
- Additional Fillings: Consider adding roasted red peppers for a smoky sweetness, thin slices of red onion for a slight bite, or a few black olives for a briny touch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze inside before toasting can also add a delightful complexity.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time: The key to a juicy chicken cutlet is not to overcook it. Use an internal meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½-inch) before cooking ensures they cook uniformly and remain tender. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing or placing it in the sandwich; this helps retain its juices.
Achieving the Ideal Toast on Your Ciabatta: When toasting the ciabatta rolls in the skillet, pay close attention. You want a light golden color and a slightly crisp texture, but not overly hard or burnt. This subtle toast provides the perfect base for your fillings and prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Pesto and Mayo Application: Don’t skimp on the sauces! Spreading the mayonnaise and pesto evenly from edge to edge on their respective ciabatta halves ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and moisture. The mayonnaise adds a creamy tang, while the pesto delivers its signature herbaceous punch.
Layering for Success: Assemble your sandwich thoughtfully. Place the chicken on the mayo-coated half, then layer the mozzarella and tomatoes. This sequence helps the cheese melt beautifully over the warm chicken and keeps the tomatoes slightly cushioned.

🥘 More Easy and Delicious Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed the simplicity and incredible flavor of this Toasted Chicken Pesto Sandwich, you’re in for a treat with these other easy and delicious recipes from our kitchen. Expand your culinary repertoire with these crowd-pleasing meals that are perfect for any occasion:

Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers: A quick and flavorful one-pot meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Keto Grilled Cheese: Enjoy the classic comfort of grilled cheese with a low-carb twist.
Marry Me Chicken: A creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan chicken dish so good, it’s rumored to lead to proposals!
Achiote Chicken: Discover the vibrant flavors of Latin America with this tender and aromatic chicken recipe.
Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks: Indulge in crispy, cheesy goodness without the gluten.
Chicken Omelette: A protein-packed breakfast, brunch, or light dinner option that’s quick and versatile.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas: A comforting and rich dish perfect for family dinners.
Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with this convenient sheet pan meal.
Baked Chicken Meatballs: Lean, flavorful meatballs perfect for pasta, subs, or appetizers.

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5 from 27 votes

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Warm, toasty bread, juicy chicken and tomatoes, and creamy, melty mozzarella accented by Italian seasoning and buttery pesto.

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4 sandwiches

Ingredients

For the Chicken

▢ 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 1 pound
▢ 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
▢ salt to taste
▢ freshly cracked black pepper to taste
▢ 1 tablespoon avocado oil

For the Sandwiches

▢ 4 ciabatta rolls sliced in half horizontally
▢ 4 tablespoons mayonnaise divided, optional
▢ ⅓ cup pesto divided
▢ 6 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
▢ 4 Roma tomatoes sliced
▢ avocado oil

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Equipment

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large skillet
Internal meat thermometer
large plate
Basting brush

Instructions

Place 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts on cutting board. Use sharp knife to slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 evenly-sized chicken cutlets. If needed, pound thicker areas with tenderizer or rolling pin until cutlets are evenly thick all over.
Generously sprinkle 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides of chicken cutlets, coating chicken well. Set aside.
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. When pan is warm, add 1 tablespoon avocado oil and swirl pan to distribute oil across entire surface. Continue heating pan until oil is hot and shimmery.
When oil is hot, place seasoned chicken cutlets in skillet. Sear chicken 3 to 5 minutes, then flip each cutlet over. Sear chicken 3 to 5 minutes more, until internal temperature of chicken reaches 160° Fahrenheit.
Once chicken reaches target temperature, carefully transfer cutlets to large plate and set aside.
Place halved ciabatta rolls in skillet with inside of rolls facing down. Work in batches as needed depending on size of skillet. Toast ciabatta rolls 1 to 2 minutes, just until rolls are lightly golden. Remove toasted rolls from skillet and repeat with any remaining rolls.
Set toasted rolls aside. Keep skillet warm over medium heat.

To Assemble the Sandwiches

Place ciabatta rolls on cutting board, with insides of rolls facing up.
Cover one ciabatta roll half per sandwich with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, using 4 tablespoons mayonnaise total. Spread mayonnaise out to cover entire surface of rolls.
Cover other ciabatta roll half per sandwich with 1 ¼ tablespoons pesto, using ⅓ cup pesto total. Spread pesto out to cover entire surface of rolls.
Place one cutlet on top of each ciabatta half coated in mayonnaise.
Place 1 ½ ounces of sliced mozzarella on top of each chicken cutlet, using 6 ounces fresh mozzarella total.
Place tomato slices on top of mozzarella, using 1 Roma tomato per sandwich (4 Roma tomatoes total).
Top sandwich with ciabatta halves covered in pesto, so that pesto is on inside of sandwich.
Lightly brush avocado oil on top of sandwiches. Place sandwiches in skillet with avocado oil facing down.
Cook each sandwich 2 minutes, then flip sandwiches over and cook 2 minutes more, until mozzarella is melted and sandwiches are warmed through. Remove sandwiches from skillet and serve immediately.

Notes

Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover sandwiches for one day. For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to enjoy these sandwiches fresh. However, if you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or an airtight container and refrigerate promptly.
Reheating: For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. Instead, wrap the sandwiches in foil and heat them in an oven preheated to 300-350°F (150-175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is re-melted and the sandwich is warmed through. You can also briefly toast them in a dry skillet on low heat, covered, to slowly warm them and re-crisp the bread, ensuring the cheese melts without burning the exterior.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.