Description
This easy chicken pesto sandwich features juicy grilled chicken, vibrant basil pesto, and melty mozzarella on toasted ciabatta or sourdough. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a fresh, satisfying lunch perfect for busy days or picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cooked chicken breast (sliced or shredded)
- 3–4 tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 large ciabatta rolls or 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- 1 large tomato (sliced)
- 1 handful fresh arugula or baby spinach
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: roasted red peppers (sliced)
- Optional: red onion (thinly sliced)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Slice or shred the cooked chicken breast. Slice the mozzarella and tomato. Rinse and dry the arugula or spinach. Slice open ciabatta rolls or lay out bread slices.
- Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat while you assemble the sandwich.
- Brush one side of each bread slice or roll with olive oil. Place oiled side down. Spread 1-2 tbsp pesto on the inside of each sandwich. Layer half the mozzarella, chicken, tomato slices, and arugula or spinach. Add remaining mozzarella. Top with the other bread piece, pesto side down, oil side out.
- Transfer sandwich to the hot skillet. Press gently with a spatula. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, until bread is golden and cheese is melting. If cheese isn’t melting, cover pan loosely with foil or a lid for the last minute.
- Remove sandwich from skillet and let rest 1 minute before slicing. Serve hot and melty. Repeat for additional sandwiches.
Notes
For extra-crispy bread, use more olive oil and press the sandwich with a smaller pan or foil-wrapped brick. Let ingredients come to room temperature for best melting. Swap in gluten-free bread for a GF version, or use grilled eggplant for vegetarian. Don’t overstuff to avoid soggy sandwiches. Let rest before slicing for tidy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 34
Keywords: chicken pesto sandwich, easy lunch, grilled chicken sandwich, mozzarella, ciabatta, basil pesto, quick lunch, sandwich recipe