Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Print Version)
Grilled chicken with pesto and mozzarella on warm ciabatta rolls.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
→ Marinade & Seasonings
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pesto
05 - 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
→ Sandwich Assembly
06 - 4 ciabatta rolls or sandwich buns
07 - 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 tomato, sliced
09 - 1/2 cup baby spinach or arugula
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
11 - 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting buns (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets for even cooking.
02 - Toss chicken cutlets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
04 - Place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each chicken piece during the final minute of cooking. Cover briefly if needed to help the cheese melt.
05 - Butter the cut sides of the ciabatta rolls and toast them in a pan cut-side down until golden, if desired.
06 - Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll, then layer 1 tablespoon of basil pesto over the mayo or directly onto the bread.
07 - Layer baby spinach or arugula, sliced tomato, and the warm chicken with melted mozzarella on the bottom halves. Cap with the top halves of the rolls and serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in thirty flat minutes which means weeknight dinners finally feel exciting again
- The combination of warm grilled chicken and cool basil pesto hits every single flavor note you want in one bite
02 -
- Overcooking the cutlets turns them rubbery so pull them the moment they feel firm to the touch
- Putting the mozzarella on too early makes it slide right off the chicken into the pan
03 -
- Let the chicken rest for two full minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute instead of flooding the bread
- Sun-dried tomatoes tucked under the mozzarella add a sweet tangy punch that makes the whole sandwich feel more intentional