Description
Savor the ultimate chicken pesto sandwich that blends Mediterranean flavors with creamy textures and zesty herb notes. Crisp bread, juicy grilled chicken, and fragrant basil pesto create a quick, satisfying meal perfect for lunch or casual dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 454 grams)
- 4 ciabatta rolls
- 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh mozzarella
- 4 Roma tomatoes
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- salt (to taste)
- freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Condiments and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup pesto
- additional avocado oil
Instructions
- Transform chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets by slicing horizontally and gently pounding any thick sections. Generously season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Preheat skillet to medium-high heat with avocado oil. Carefully place seasoned chicken cutlets and sear for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a resting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet without cleaning to toast ciabatta rolls face down, absorbing residual flavors. Cook for 1-2 minutes until surfaces turn crisp and golden.
- Create sandwich layers by spreading mayonnaise on one ciabatta half and pesto on the opposite side. Arrange seared chicken cutlets, followed by fresh mozzarella slices and Roma tomato pieces.
- Lightly brush sandwich exteriors with additional avocado oil. Return sandwiches to skillet, pressing gently and cooking 2 minutes per side until mozzarella melts and entire sandwich becomes heated through.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally for even, quick cooking and better texture throughout the sandwich.
- Use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to pound thicker parts of chicken for uniform thickness and consistent cooking.
- Choose high-quality, fresh pesto for maximum taste impact and authentic Italian-inspired experience.
- Opt for room temperature mozzarella to ensure smooth melting and better integration with other ingredients.
- Consider gluten-free ciabatta or lettuce wraps for low-carb or celiac-friendly alternatives.
- Add crispy bacon or prosciutto for extra protein and rich, salty dimension to the sandwich.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or avocado spread for lighter, healthier version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg