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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 sandwich, which is one of my favorites, can be made on ciabatta rolls or focaccia bread, as you prefer. The tender grilled chicken, creamy pesto sauce, fresh mozzarella, fresh tomato, and more, make this a deliciously satisfying meal you’ll never get tired of.
Loaded with succulent chicken, fresh mozzarella cheese, and zesty pesto sauce, this Italian chicken pesto sandwich is a true winner for a delicious lunch or dinner.
If you’re a sandwich fan, you might also enjoy rotisserie chicken sandwiches, hot turkey sandwiches, or perhaps this hearty Italian chopped sandwich.
Why You’ll Love It
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
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Chicken breasts: For a lean, protein-rich main ingredient.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
Dried herbs: Classic Italian herbs, basil and oregano, enhance flavor and aroma.
Olive oil: Used for grilling and sautéing, providing richness.
Pesto: Adds vibrant color and rich basil flavor to the sandwich. 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.
Italian buns: Offer a crispy, satisfying sandwich base.
Salted butter: Enhances flavor and helps toast the bread to golden perfection.
Fresh mozzarella: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully, providing richness.
Cherry tomatoes: Bright and juicy, perfect for fresh relish.
Shallot: Delivers mild sweetness and aromatic flavor.
Garlic: Provides pungent, savory notes throughout the dish.
Red pepper flakes: This ingredient adds a subtle heat and warmth.
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
Chicken breast: Feel free to use chicken thighs in this hot sandwich if you prefer those.
Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables or eggplant for a vegetarian sandwich.
Cheese: These tasty sandwiches would also be good with Swiss cheese, although I do love gooey mozzarella in mine! Provolone or burrata would also be a nice twist on the classic.
Italian bread: Use ciabatta rolls or focaccia bread instead of Italian buns for different texture.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bun to make these chicken sandwiches.
Adjust the spiciness: Feel free to use less or more red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
With a side dish: Potato chips, a sweet potato kale salad, an iceberg wedge salad, or perhaps some onion rings would be good with your Italian chicken pesto sandwiches.
With a drink: Make your own Italian cream soda or enjoy a Starbucks copycat pink drink.
How to Store Italian Chicken Sandwiches
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.
Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing the sandwiches.
Reheat: You can warm the sandwich back up in the microwave.
Top Tips
Pat the chicken dry: Do this before seasoning to achieve perfect grill marks and better seasoning adherence.
Space your tomatoes: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking tomato relish—this ensures tomatoes blister instead of steaming.
Fresh is best: Use fresh pesto for the best, most vibrant flavor.
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.
You can prepare all ingredients ahead, but assemble just before serving for best texture.
Definitely! Outdoor grilling will add extra smoky flavor.
Italian Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Equipment
- Griddle Pan or Skillet
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut in half
- ½ Teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ Teaspoon dried basil
- ½ Teaspoon salt
- ½ Teaspoon oregano, dried
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 Cup pesto
- 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.
Notes
Space your tomatoes: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking tomato relish—this ensures tomatoes blister instead of steaming.
Fresh is best: Use fresh pesto for the best, most vibrant flavor.
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.
Other Recipes to Try
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.
Awesomeness! Mmmmmmmmmmmm Yummy recipe and so easy to fix up!
Whipped up this recipe and it was a total success with the family. Will be making regularly!
Everyone loved these
These were so good. I loved the pesto chicken combo.
This sandwich is just awesome, I made it already three times for my boys and they can’t get enough.
Hosted a friend’s bridal shower and made this and it was such a hit! Great flavors, and turned out perfect.
This sandwich was so good!! My husband and I both love it. We’ll make it again soon!
One of the best sandwiches I’ve tried! The chicken was cooked perfectly and the pesto sauce was remarkable! So tasty and pleasing! We enjoyed it!
The melted mozzarella is my favorite part of this sandwich. Keeps the chicken nice and moist!
My favorite sandwich! We loved these