Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Print Version)
Grilled chicken cutlets with pesto, mozzarella, and fresh veggies on toasted 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)
# How To Make:
01 - Halve each chicken breast horizontally to yield 4 even cutlets for quicker, more even cooking.
02 - Toss the chicken cutlets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
04 - During the final minute of cooking, place a slice of fresh mozzarella on each cutlet and cover briefly to melt.
05 - Butter the cut sides of the ciabatta rolls and toast in a pan 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 - Stack baby spinach or arugula, a sliced tomato, and the warm chicken with melted mozzarella on each bottom bun. Crown with the top half and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of warm melted mozzarella against cool pesto hits every texture craving at once
- It feels like a café sandwich but uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge
02 -
- Overcooking the chicken cutlets is the easiest mistake here since they are thin so pull them the moment they feel firm to the touch
- Letting the sandwich rest for just one minute after assembling keeps the cheese from sliding everywhere when you bite in
03 -
- Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness after slicing so every piece cooks at the exact same rate
- Spread pesto on both the top and bottom bun for maximum flavor in every single bite