Irresistible Herby Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe for Lunch Joy

Breaking free from boring lunch routines, this zesty chicken pesto sandwich will revolutionize your midday meal.

Layers of succulent, herb-infused chicken nestle between crisp, golden bread slices.

Fragrant basil pesto spreads its magic across tender meat, creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.

The combination delivers a punch of freshness and robust taste that satisfies every hunger pang.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of textures and aromatic herbs.

Perfectly portable and quick to assemble, this sandwich turns an ordinary lunch into a gourmet experience.

Let’s find out this culinary adventure and transform your next meal into something extraordinary.

Storing Chicken Pesto Sandwich for Meal Prep

• Sandwich Survival Guide: Keeping Your Culinary Creation Fresh
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent ingredient separation. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Keep chicken, cheese, and bread components separate if preparing in advance. This prevents soggy bread and maintains ideal texture when reassembling.
• Reheating Revival Technique: Gently warm sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwave to keep ciabatta crisp and prevent cheese from becoming rubbery.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare sandwich components individually, freeze chicken and pesto separately for up to 3 weeks. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before assembling for fresh-tasting results.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Pesto Sandwich Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for the best texture and flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors, look for a mix with high-quality dried herbs.
• Avocado Oil: Light, heart-healthy cooking oil that helps achieve a golden, crispy chicken exterior while adding subtle nutty undertones.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance the chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor intensity.

• Ciabatta Rolls: Rustic Italian bread with a soft interior and crispy crust, perfect for holding robust sandwich fillings without becoming soggy.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy, tangy spread that adds richness and helps bind ingredients, choose full-fat version for maximum flavor.
• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce made from basil, garlic, and olive oil, provides a zesty, herbal punch to the sandwich.

• Fresh Mozzarella, Roma Tomatoes: Classic Italian-inspired combination that brings creamy, juicy layers to the sandwich, select ripe tomatoes and soft, milky mozzarella for optimal taste and texture.

Tools for Building the Perfect Chicken Pesto Sandwich

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for searing chicken and toasting rolls.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Essential for slicing chicken breasts horizontally and evenly.
• Meat mallet: Helpful for pounding chicken to uniform thickness.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping chicken and handling sandwiches in the skillet.
• Measuring spoons: For measuring Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

How to Assemble a Chicken Pesto Sandwich Easily

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets. Ensure uniform thickness for consistent cooking.

• Seasoning Blend

Sprinkle a delightful mix of Italian herbs, salt, and pepper over the chicken, creating a flavor-packed base.

• Sizzling Skillet

Heat a pan with smooth avocado oil, then sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior.

• Bread Transformation

Quickly toast ciabatta rolls in the same skillet, giving them a crispy, warm texture and capturing lingering flavors.

• Flavor Layer

Spread creamy mayonnaise on one side of the roll and vibrant pesto on the other, creating a zesty foundation.

• Sandwich Assembly

Layer tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and juicy tomato slices between the prepared rolls, building a mouthwatering masterpiece.

• Final Sizzle

Brush the sandwich tops with a touch of oil, then gently warm in the skillet until the cheese becomes irresistibly melted and the bread turns golden.

Tips to Boost Flavor in Chicken Pesto Sandwiches

• Marinate chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse extra zesty taste and keep meat super tender.
• Try different rolls like focaccia, sourdough, or multigrain to create unique sandwich experiences and add interesting texture variations.
• Experiment with provolone, Swiss, or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for different flavor profiles that complement the pesto's richness.
• Add roasted red peppers, fresh basil leaves, or baby spinach to boost nutrition and create more complex flavor layers in your sandwich.
• Cook chicken and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly of sandwiches during busy weeknights or for fast lunch options.

Best Ways to Serve This Savory Sandwich

• Rustic Picnic Delight: Pack these sandwiches in a wicker basket for a charming outdoor lunch with friends, wrapped in parchment paper for that perfect countryside feel.
• Mediterranean Twist: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad and kalamata olives to enhance the Italian-inspired flavors of the pesto chicken sandwich.
• Gourmet Dinner Pairing: Complement the sandwich with a chilled white wine like pinot grigio and a light arugula salad drizzled with balsamic reduction for an elevated dining experience.
• Quick Lunch Upgrade: Transform leftovers into a delightful pressed sandwich by using a panini press or heavy skillet to create a crispy, golden exterior with melted cheese.

Zesty Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken pesto sandwich balances crisp greens, tender grilled chicken, and homemade basil sauce between rustic bread slices. Mediterranean flavors create a satisfying lunch that quickly becomes personal comfort cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb / 454 g)
• 6 oz (170 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half horizontally
• 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• 4 tbsps mayonnaise, divided (optional)
• ⅓ cup pesto, divided
• Avocado oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create uniform, thin cutlets, pounding gently to ensure consistent 1/2 inch thickness.
2. Seasoning: Coat chicken cutlets thoroughly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, pressing spices firmly into the meat.
3. Cooking Chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken cutlets for 3-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Toasting Bread: Without cleaning the skillet, lightly toast ciabatta rolls for 30-45 seconds per side until edges crisp and golden.
5. Assembling Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on one roll half, basil pesto on the other; layer with cooked chicken cutlet, fresh mozzarella slices, and ripe tomato slices.
6. Final Preparation: Brush sandwich tops with avocado oil, return to skillet, and cook 1-2 minutes per side until cheese melts and bread becomes crispy.
7. Serving: Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts horizontally with gentle, even pressure to create uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
• Season Generously: Press spices into meat to enhance flavor penetration and ensure every bite is well-seasoned.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Return sandwich to skillet briefly to create a perfectly melted mozzarella layer with crispy bread edges.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg