Description

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe features tender, seasoned chicken cutlets paired with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and flavorful pesto on toasted ciabatta rolls. The sandwiches are finished with a light brushing of avocado oil and melted to perfection in a skillet, making for a deliciously warm and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

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

Sandwich Assembly

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, for brushing

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Season each cutlet evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cutlets and sear until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
Toast the Ciabatta: Using the same skillet, toast the ciabatta roll halves until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy to provide a nice contrast in texture.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread mayonnaise and pesto evenly across the cut sides of the toasted ciabatta rolls. Layer each sandwich with a cooked chicken cutlet, slices of fresh mozzarella, and Roma tomatoes. Top with the pesto-coated roll halves for extra flavor.
Cook the Sandwiches: Brush the assembled sandwiches lightly with avocado oil. Place them back in the skillet and cook on medium heat until the mozzarella melts perfectly, creating a warm, gooey texture that binds the sandwich together.

Notes

To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before slicing if needed.
Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, or substitute with store-bought if short on time.
For a spicy kick, add a few red chili flakes to the pesto spread.
Ensure the skillet is preheated properly to achieve a nice sear on the chicken and toasted bread.
Serve immediately after cooking for the best experience with melted cheese.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Chicken Pesto Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Italian Sandwich, Pesto Recipe, Mozzarella Sandwich