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Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Fun, flavorful and minimal ingredients, this Pesto Chicken Sandwich is an easy and tasty lunch or dinner time recipe. Ready in less than an hour, these are filling and a family favorite.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 720kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise
  • 2 Tablespoons prepared pesto
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil

To assemble:

  • 4 ciabatta rolls
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  • ½ cup prepared pesto
  • 1 beefsteak tomato thinly sliced
  • Fresh cracked pepper optional
  • 8 slices fresh mozzarella

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl add the chicken, then add the pesto, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Toss everything togethering making sure to coat all the chicken.
  • Place an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.Once hot, add the olive oil and sear the chicken on both sides. If using an oven-safe skillet, place it into the oven to continue cooking the chicken until it reaches 160 degrees F in the center, this is best to check using an internal thermometer. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, place the chicken into a baking dish and place it in the oven until it reaches 160 degrees F.
  • To assemble the sandwiches, lay the rolls cut side down onto a sheet tray. Brush the tops and bottoms with the olive oil, make sure to use it all. It may seem like a lot.
  • Flip the rolls over so they are cut side up. Then spread the mayonnaise evenly on both sides of the cut rolls. Then spread the pesto over the mayonnaise also on both sides.
  • On the bottom side of the roll, place one piece of chicken, two slices of mozzarella on top of the chicken and then one slice of tomato. Freshly crack some black pepper over the tomato if desired. Place the tops on the sandwiches.
  • Preheat your panini press if using, and add as many sandwiches that will fit. Cook for 5-7 minutes until your desired toastiness and the cheese is melted. The sandwiches are larger, so you may need to gently and gradually press down while cooking so nothing falls off. Slice if desired and serve.

Notes

  • If you do not want to cut your chicken breasts you can use thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts in their place.
  • Other breads can be used, see above for some suggestions.
  • We do not recommend freezing these sandwiches.
  • Other cheeses can be used, see above for options.
  • You can make your own homemade pesto if you'd prefer.
  • These can be baked in the oven or made in a grill pan if you do not have a panini press.
  • Other toppings that would go great on these would be other cheeses (see above for ideas), bacon, fresh basil, try a sun dried tomato pesto, sauteed onions, etc.

Nutrition

Calories: 720kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 1440mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1895IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 365mg | Iron: 1mg