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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Create uniform chicken cutlets by slicing breasts horizontally and gently flattening with a meat mallet to ensure consistent thickness for balanced cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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