Name: Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt (to taste); Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 4 ciabatta rolls (sliced in half horizontally); 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (divided, optional); ⅓ cup pesto (divided); 6 ounces fresh mozzarella (sliced); 4 Roma tomatoes (sliced); Avocado oil

If you crave big, bold flavors in every bite, the Chicken Pesto Sandwich is about to become your new mealtime obsession. Toasty ciabatta, juicy pan-seared chicken, ripe Roma tomatoes, and creamy fresh mozzarella all come together with rich, garlicky pesto and a swipe of mayo for sheer sandwich bliss. You’ll love how this recipe transforms simple, classic ingredients into a café-worthy experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of a great Chicken Pesto Sandwich lies in its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients, each pulling its weight to create those craveable layers of flavor and texture. Every component has a job to do, from juicy chicken to melty cheese, and when they come together, you get a sandwich that delivers in every bite.

Chicken breasts: Sliced and seared until golden, these are the juicy, protein-packed base of our sandwich.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant punch of herbs that complements the zestiness of the pesto and richness of the chicken.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Essential for bringing out every nuance of flavor in the chicken.
Avocado oil: With its high smoke point, this oil keeps the chicken tender and the bread perfectly toasted.
Ciabatta rolls: Their airy texture and crisp crust make the ideal home for all those delicious fillings.
Mayonnaise: A creamy, optional layer that adds a cool, luscious backdrop for the savory ingredients.
Pesto: The star of the show—garlicky, herby, and bursting with flavor. It’s your shortcut to instant Italian flair!
Fresh mozzarella: Delivers indulgent melt and subtle creaminess, especially divine when it gets gooey and warm.
Roma tomatoes: Thinly sliced for a pop of juicy acidity and color between those rich layers.

How to Make Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Chicken

Grab your cutting board and sharpest knife, then halve the chicken breasts horizontally to create four cutlets. If any are a little uneven, a gentle tap with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer will help them cook evenly and stay juicy throughout.

Step 2: Season Generously

Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning, salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. Don’t be shy here—this step ensures every bite of your Chicken Pesto Sandwich is bursting with flavor, right down to the last morsel.

Step 3: Sear to Perfection

Heat your skillet over medium-high and swirl in some avocado oil until shimmering. Add the chicken cutlets and sear each side for three to five minutes, flipping just once, until they’re golden and the internal temperature hits 160°F. This locks in moisture and creates a beautiful color on the chicken.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

After removing your chicken, use the same skillet to toast the halved ciabatta rolls, cut-side down. Just one to two minutes will do the trick, giving you the ideal crisp and a hint of extra flavor from those pan juices.

Step 5: Assemble the Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Spread a generous tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each roll, and pesto on the other. Place a chicken cutlet on the mayo side, top with gooey slices of mozzarella and fresh tomato, then cap it all with the pesto-slathered ciabatta half.

Step 6: Grill for Melty Goodness

Brush the tops of your sandwiches with a bit of avocado oil and pop them back into the skillet, oiled side down. Grill for a couple minutes per side, just until the mozzarella is irresistibly melty and everything is warm and toasty. Serve right away and let the flavor party begin!

How to Serve Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Garnishes

A Chicken Pesto Sandwich always looks inviting with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a light dusting of grated parmesan on top. For a dash of brightness, don’t hesitate to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a crack of black pepper just before serving!

Side Dishes

Pair this sandwich with crispy baked fries, a tangy arugula salad, or a simple tomato soup to create a satisfying meal. You could also serve it alongside your favorite pickled vegetables or even a dill pickle spear for a nice contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Chicken Pesto Sandwich into halves or quarters for a picnic-inspired platter, or layer with extra veggies like roasted peppers for a colorful, build-your-own sandwich board. For parties, slice each sandwich into mini sliders to serve as hearty appetizers everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Chicken Pesto Sandwiches, wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to one day. They’ll keep their structure and flavors surprisingly well for a quick lunch or snack the next day.

Freezing

While this sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken cutlets and thaw them overnight before use. However, assemble the sandwich just before eating to preserve the texture of the bread and fresh tomato.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, wrap your sandwich in foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the mozzarella is melty again. This method helps retain moisture and keeps the bread crisp.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto makes this Chicken Pesto Sandwich super quick and convenient, but if you feel like going the extra mile, homemade pesto delivers even bolder, brighter flavors.

What’s the best bread for a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?

Ciabatta is classic for its crisp crust and chewy texture, but any sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough or focaccia will work beautifully and hold up well to all the juicy layers inside.

Can I grill the sandwiches instead of using a skillet?

Definitely! If you have a grill pan or even a panini press, you’ll get those gorgeous grill marks and extra crispiness that make the Chicken Pesto Sandwich even more irresistible.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just swap in your favorite gluten-free rolls or bread. Make sure your pesto and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free as well, and you’re set for a delicious, allergy-friendly meal.

What other cheeses work well with this sandwich?

Fresh mozzarella is classic, but provolone, fontina, or Havarti can add different flavor notes and melt beautifully. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich brings café-inspired comfort right into your own kitchen, with vibrant flavors and ooey-gooey textures in every bite. I hope you give it a try soon—you just might find it becomes a repeat favorite at your table!