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An Italian chicken pesto sandwich is a bistro-inspired, gourmet treat. Toasty bread pairs with juicy chicken and creamy pesto sauce in this recipe which makes an easy and quick dinner or lunch. This Italian sandwich, which is one of my favourites, can be made on ciabatta rolls or focaccia bread. The tender grilled chicken, creamy pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato, and more, make this a deliciously satisfying meal.
Loaded with succulent chicken, fresh mozzarella cheese, and zesty pesto sauce, these chicken pesto sandwiches are a true winner for lunch or dinner. It’s quick and easy to make, and with every bite, you’ll be transported to the heart of Italy.
Why You’ll Love This
- Authentic: If you’ve been lucky enough to enjoy an authentic chicken pesto sandwich recipe in Italy, you will definitely find this hot sandwich reminiscent of that.
- Crowd-pleasing: There are sandwich recipes for all occasions and sometimes you just want to slap a filling between two pieces of bread. Because this Italian chicken pesto sandwich is so impressive though, it’s worth making enough for a crowd because everyone will want at least one serving!
- Straightforward: Sandwiches are one of the simplest snacks you can make, even when you’re making hot ones. You shouldn’t have any issues following this simple toasted chicken pesto sandwich recipe.
Chicken Pesto Sandwich Ingredients
Chicken breasts work perfectly in this recipe, and you will season it with garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. You will need some kind of fresh bread, and anything from toasted sourdough to ciabatta bread or buns will work. You can find great Italian bread at local bakeries.
The recipe also calls for homemade basil pesto, butter, garlic, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, shallot, extra virgin olive oil and red pepper flakes. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella at the grocery store, you can use regular mozzarella or even provolone slices. However, I recommend finding fresh mozzarella, because the melty cheese makes all the difference in this Italian sandwich!
Basil Pesto
Store bought pesto is also an option but I prefer homemade pesto using my basil pesto recipe made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese. You may even find some fresh pesto at your local farmers market. It is a great way to use leftover pesto.
How to Make this Grilled Chicken Sandwich
For more detailed instructions, with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
- Season the chicken: Combine the seasonings and press on to the chicken breast.
- Cook the chicken: Give it a few minutes per side in a grill pan or even on your outdoor grill.
- Cook the other ingredients: Sauté the tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and some other seasonings.
- Add pesto and cheese: Spread pesto over the chicken and add mozzarella then toast to melt.
- Prepare the bread: Spread garlic butter over the bread and toast it.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Add the fresh pesto, tomato mixture, chicken, and some fresh basil leaves to the toasted bread and serve warm.
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to use chicken thighs in this hot sandwich if you prefer those, or use another kind of cheese. These tasty sandwiches would also be good with Swiss cheese, although I love gooey mozzarella in mine!
Storage Directions
Store: This pesto chicken sandwich recipe is best served as soon as made, but if you have leftovers, keep the sandwiches wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within a day or so. You can warm the sandwich back up in the microwave.
Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipes FAQs
You can make this toasted Italian sandwich with or without a panini maker to compress the sandwiches. But if you don’t have one, you can still make these fresh, easy homemade sandwiches.
Rather than sandwiching the ingredients between golden brown toasted ciabatta roll halves, you can serve it over salad leaves in a bowl. It technically won’t be a sandwich but the delicious and tender chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and rest of the ingredients will still make a very tasty meal.
Yes, simply use a gluten free bun to make these chicken sandwiches!
Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe
Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
- ½ Teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ Teaspoon dried basil
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 Cup pesto , divided
- 6 buns, Italian bread
- 3 Tablespoon salted butter
- 1 Teaspoon garlic, minced
- 6 Slices fresh mozzarella, or large bocconcini
- 1 Cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 2 Cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- ½ Teaspoon black pepper, coarse
- ½ Teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Heat a grill pan over high heat.
- Combine garlic powder, basil, pepper, salt, and oregano in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Pat chicken dry, then season both sides with seasoning.
- Brush the grill pan with olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Heat a frying pan over medium high heat. Combine olive oil, cherry tomatoes, shallot, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt in a mixing bowl and mix well. Add to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until cherry tomatoes start to blister.
- Add a dollop of pesto to the top of each chicken and spread. Next, top with mozzarella. Lower heat to low and cover the pan. Cook until the cheese is melted and blanketing the chicken.
- Combine melted butter and minced garlic. Brush bread with butter and place onto a baking sheet cut side up for 3 to 5 minutes to lightly toast.
- Remove bread. Spread remaining pesto over the bread. Add tomato relish to the bottom slice of bread, then the chicken, and top with a couple leaves of fresh basil. Secure with a sandwich pick.
Nutrition
This pesto chicken sandwich recipe makes a great lunch or dinner. Use homemade pesto or a store-bought version as well as fresh mozzarella and juicy chicken for the ultimate Italian sandwiches. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella cheese, and tangy pesto sauce is sure to get rave reviews from the whole family.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This recipe is unbelievably good. It’s my go-to lunch!
I am the ultimate pesto fan. This sandwich is a true winner in my book!
This pesto sandwich was superb!! I love pesto and this recipe was so fun and easy to make! So tasty!