Description
Elevate lunch with this mouthwatering chicken pesto sandwich, where Mediterranean flavors dance between crusty artisan bread. Crisp ingredients and zesty homemade pesto create a delightful midday escape you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sandwich Components:
- 4 ciabatta rolls (or sourdough, focaccia, or baguette)
- 4 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella (or provolone)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ½ cup arugula or fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner, even cutlets that will cook quickly and evenly.
- Generously coat each chicken piece with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat a skillet or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal surface for achieving a golden-brown exterior on the chicken.
- Place seasoned chicken onto the hot cooking surface, allowing each side to develop a beautifully caramelized crust while cooking thoroughly.
- Monitor chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature, ensuring it reaches a safe 165°F to eliminate any potential harmful bacteria.
- Remove chicken from heat and let it rest momentarily, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain optimal moisture and tenderness.
- While chicken rests, prepare additional sandwich components like fresh bread, pesto spread, and crisp vegetable accompaniments.
- Slice rested chicken into manageable pieces that will nestle perfectly within the chosen bread or roll.
- Assemble sandwich by spreading a generous layer of vibrant pesto, layering the sliced chicken, and adding complementary fresh ingredients.
- Cut sandwich diagonally to create an appealing presentation and easier handling for serving.
Notes
- Butterfly chicken breasts carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
- Season generously with herb blend to infuse maximum flavor throughout the meat.
- Consider grilling instead of pan-cooking for a smoky, charred taste profile that elevates the sandwich’s overall texture.
- For gluten-free option, swap traditional bread with lettuce wraps or gluten-free bread alternatives without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg