Pesto chicken sandwich, oh how I love you! Just the name conjures up memories of sunny afternoons spent in cozy cafes, savoring each delicious bite. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion, a symphony of savory chicken, fragrant pesto, and perfectly toasted bread. I’ve perfected this pesto chicken sandwich recipe over the years, and I’m so excited to share it with you. Get ready to create your own cafe experience at home.
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Why You Will Love This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
Pesto Chicken Sandwich: The BEST Easy Recipe EVER!
A delicious and easy pesto chicken sandwich perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Features tender chicken, fragrant pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese on your favorite bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Category: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition:
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 40g
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto (homemade or store bought)
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Optional: sliced roasted red peppers
- Optional: balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Heat skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken 5 7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Slice thinly.
- Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice.
- On two bread slices, layer mozzarella, chicken, and toppings. Top with remaining bread, pesto side down.
- Butter or oil the outside of the bread.
- Grill in a panini press or skillet for 3 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Cut and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, good-quality ingredients. Feel free to adjust the amount of pesto to your liking. Serve immediately after grilling for optimal flavor and texture.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The vibrant green pesto, the tender chicken, and the crispy bread create a comforting and incredibly satisfying lunch or light dinner. What makes this particular pesto chicken sandwich recipe so special is the balance of flavors and the simplicity of the preparation. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. I promise this chicken pesto panini will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients Needed for This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to assemble this culinary masterpiece:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup prepared pesto (homemade or store bought)
- 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or Italian are all great)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Optional: roasted red peppers, sliced tomatoes
- Optional: balsamic glaze to drizzle
How to Make This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
Follow these simple steps for pesto chicken sandwich perfection:
- 1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This will help them cook evenly.
- 2. Season the chicken: Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 3. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- 4. Spread pesto: Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice.
- 5. Assemble the sandwich: On two of the bread slices, layer mozzarella cheese, sliced chicken, and any desired toppings, such as roasted red peppers or tomatoes. Top with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down.
- 6. Butter the bread: Spread butter or brush olive oil on the outside of the bread.
- 7. Grill the sandwich: Heat a panini press or skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- 8. Cut and serve: Remove the sandwiches from the panini press or skillet and cut them in half. Serve immediately.
How to Serve This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
Serve your pesto chicken sandwich warm, ideally right after grilling. A side of fresh salad or creamy tomato soup complements the sandwich perfectly. For an extra touch, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the top of the sandwich. Consider serving with potato chips or sweet potato fries for a more substantial meal. Garlic Parmesan Fries are another great option!
How to Store This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
For optimal freshness, it’s best to eat your pesto chicken sandwich immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store them properly to enjoy later.
- Refrigeration: Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the bread may become slightly soggy.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the bread will likely become very soggy upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat the sandwich in a panini press, skillet, or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your pesto chicken sandwich is a success:
- Use good quality ingredients: Fresh pesto and high quality bread will make a world of difference.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Cook the chicken in batches, if necessary, to ensure that it browns evenly.
- Adjust the pesto to your liking: Add more or less pesto according to your taste.
- Toast the bread: Toasting the bread before adding the fillings will help prevent it from becoming soggy.
Helpful Notes for This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
- Pesto: Feel free to use your favorite store bought pesto, or make your own using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- Bread: Sourdough, ciabatta, and Italian bread are all excellent choices for this sandwich. Choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.
- Chicken: You can also use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Variation of This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
- Seasonal Twist: Add sliced avocado for a creamy, summery twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or portobello mushrooms.
- Spicy Pesto Chicken Sandwich: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your pesto for a kick.
FAQs About This pesto chicken sandwich Recipe
What is the best bread to use for a pesto chicken sandwich?
Ciabatta or focaccia are excellent choices due to their sturdy texture and ability to hold the sauce and fillings. However, sourdough or even a good quality baguette can also work well.
Can I use pre-made pesto for a pesto chicken sandwich?
Yes, you can use pre-made pesto to save time. Look for high-quality pesto with fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to enhance the taste.
What are some good side dishes to serve with a pesto chicken sandwich?
A light salad, such as a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, is a classic pairing. Other great options include potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple cup of tomato soup.
How can I keep my pesto chicken sandwich from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, lightly toast the bread before assembling the sandwich. This creates a barrier against the moisture from the pesto and chicken. Also, avoid adding too much pesto.
Conclusion
This pesto chicken sandwich is so easy to make and unbelievably delicious. It’s the perfect quick lunch, light supper, or even picnic treat! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Please leave a comment below with any questions or suggestions. Bon appétit! Be sure to Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipe ideas!