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
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create uniform, thin cutlets, pounding gently to ensure consistent 1/2 inch thickness.
- Seasoning: Coat chicken cutlets thoroughly with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper, pressing spices firmly into the meat.
- 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.
- Toasting Bread: Without cleaning the skillet, lightly toast ciabatta rolls for 30-45 seconds per side until edges crisp and golden.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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