Zesty Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella Recipe

Sandwiches have never tasted more luxurious than this chicken pesto sandwich with mozzarella that combines bold Mediterranean flavors.

Fresh basil pesto coats tender grilled chicken in a symphony of green herbaceous notes.

Melted mozzarella adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the robust pesto.

Each bite brings layers of texture and intense taste that dance across your palate.

Crisp ciabatta bread provides the ideal canvas for this gourmet creation.

The combination of juicy chicken, smooth cheese, and vibrant pesto creates a lunch experience that feels both elegant and satisfying.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella – Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that provides a hearty base for the sandwich, choose fresh, organic cuts for the best flavor and texture.
• Mozzarella: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully, opt for fresh buffalo mozzarella for a luxurious touch.

• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses the chicken with Mediterranean warmth, look for a high-quality mix with vibrant dried herbs.
• Salt: Essential mineral that amplifies the overall taste, use sea salt or kosher salt for a more nuanced flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth, freshly ground peppercorns deliver the most intense flavor.
• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce bursting with basil, garlic, and olive oil, choose a homemade or artisanal version for maximum freshness.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy condiment that adds richness and moisture, select a full-fat, high-quality brand.

• Ciabatta Rolls: Rustic Italian bread with a crispy crust and soft interior, select freshly baked rolls for the best texture.
• Roma Tomatoes: Sweet, firm tomatoes that provide a juicy contrast, pick ripe, deep red fruits for maximum flavor.
• Avocado Oil: Light, neutral oil perfect for high-heat cooking, choose cold-pressed, extra virgin varieties for the best quality.

Tools You’ll Need for Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella

• Cutting Board: Flat surface for slicing and preparing chicken.
• Meat Tenderizer or Rolling Pin: Tool for pounding chicken to even thickness.
• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and toasting rolls.
• Knife: Sharp blade for slicing chicken and cutting rolls.
• Spatula: Helps flip chicken and sandwiches in the skillet.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning chicken and sandwiches.
• Measuring Tablespoon: For accurate portioning of mayonnaise and pesto.

Build Your Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets. Use a meat mallet to flatten any thick areas for even cooking.

• Seasoning Blend

Coat chicken with aromatic herbs and seasonings. Let the flavors mingle and absorb into the meat.

• Sizzling Skillet

Heat a pan with a touch of oil until it shimmers. Cook chicken until golden and fully done, ensuring a juicy interior.

• Bread Transformation

Toast ciabatta rolls in the same skillet, creating a crispy golden surface that adds delightful texture.

• Flavor Layering

Spread creamy mayonnaise on one bread half and vibrant pesto on the other. Layer sliced chicken, creating a delicious foundation.

• Cheese Magic

Top chicken with soft mozzarella and fresh tomato slices. The cheese will melt into a luxurious blanket of flavor.

• Final Grill

Brush sandwich exteriors with oil. Grill until cheese melts and bread turns crispy, creating a golden-brown masterpiece.

• Serving Moment

Slice diagonally and serve immediately. Enjoy the harmonious blend of crispy bread, tender chicken, and melted cheese.

Pro Tips for a Juicy Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella

• Marinate chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper, more vibrant flavors into the meat.
• Replace mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or gouda for a unique flavor profile that complements the pesto's richness.
• Layer roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or baby spinach to add extra nutrition and create more complex sandwich textures.
• Grill chicken and slice in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Swap ciabatta rolls with gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing sandwich satisfaction.

How to Serve the Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella

• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these sandwiches in a cooler with ice packs for a delightful outdoor lunch during beach trips or park adventures.
• Salad Side Kick: Complement the sandwich with a crisp mixed green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pesto and mozzarella flavors.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled glass of pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the herbal notes of the pesto and create a restaurant-style dining experience at home.
• Appetizer Transformation: Cut the sandwiches into smaller triangular portions as elegant finger food for cocktail parties or casual gatherings, making them perfect bite-sized treats for entertaining guests.

Stash & Store Your Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Refrigerator Safety Zone: Store leftover chicken pesto sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping ingredients fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Quick Wrap Technique: Individually wrap sandwiches in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain structural integrity and prevent ingredient separation during storage.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Keep bread, chicken, and cheese separately if preparing ahead to prevent sogginess and maintain optimal texture when assembling later.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze unassembled components like cooked chicken and pesto sauce in separate sealed containers for convenient future meal preparation, lasting up to 3 weeks.

Gourmet Chicken Pesto Sandwich

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade chicken pesto sandwich with mozzarella combines Mediterranean flavors and fresh ingredients for a delightful lunch. Crisp ciabatta, juicy chicken, and creamy mozzarella create a perfect balance that satisfies hunger and delights palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb / 453 g)
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Additional avocado oil, for brushing
• 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half horizontally
• 6 oz (170 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• ⅓ cup pesto
• 4 tbsps mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Create uniform chicken cutlets by slicing breasts horizontally and gently flattening with a meat mallet to ensure consistent thickness for balanced cooking.
2. Seasoning: Generously coat chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and cracked black pepper, allowing spices to deeply infuse the meat for an elevated flavor profile.
3. Cooking Chicken: Heat skillet to medium-high, add avocado oil, and sear chicken cutlets until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Toast ciabatta rolls in the same skillet to develop a crisp exterior.
4. Sandwich Assembly: Spread mayonnaise on one roll half and pesto on the opposite surface. Layer seared chicken cutlet, top with mozzarella slices and Roma tomato medallions.
5. Final Technique: Lightly brush sandwich exteriors with avocado oil, grill in skillet, rotating once to achieve melted cheese and crisp bread. Serve immediately to capture the perfect moment of molten mozzarella meeting herb-infused pesto and succulent chicken.

Notes

• Slice Smartly: Cut chicken breasts horizontally for even thickness, preventing dry or undercooked sections during cooking.
• Season Generously: Coat chicken with Italian herbs and robust seasonings to build deep, complex flavor layers throughout the meat.
• Temperature Matters: Use medium-high heat and ensure chicken reaches 160°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Allow mozzarella to become deliciously molten by covering skillet briefly, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg