The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Recipe Introduction

Ever get that craving for something seriously satisfying? You know, cafe food that feels a bit gourmet but is still proper comforting? Honestly, this Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich is exactly that.

It's the kind of Chicken Sandwich you'd happily queue for at lunch!

Quick Hook: Pesto Perfection

Fancy a Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich bursting with sunshine? It's all about that fresh pesto combined with juicy chicken, toasted bread, and melted cheese. It's just heavenly.

Brief Overview: Sun-Drenched Flavours

This Mediterranean chicken sandwich transports you to Italy. It's easy, taking only an hour, including marinating time. This recipe makes 2 epic sandwiches. Ideal for sharing but I'd rather have both myself!

Main Benefits: Healthyish Indulgence

This Chicken Sandwich delivers a good protein boost. It's amazing for a weekend lunch, or even a slightly fancy weeknight dinner.

What makes it truly special is the combo of textures and flavours. The juicy chicken, creamy pesto, and crunchy bread.

.. Oh my gosh!

Ready to build your dream Pesto Chicken Sandwich Recipe ? Let's get started!

Making the Magic Happen

This is more than just a Easy chicken sandwich recipe . You're creating Gourmet Sandwiches at home!. So, what do you need? The basic list is pretty simple.

I've made this Ciabatta sandwich recipe with different breads before. A great Grilled chicken sandwich ideas starts with the right bread!

You will need chicken breasts, of course. Also pesto (shop-bought is fine, or you can make your own like me!), ciabatta bread, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and a few marinade bits and bobs.

What about Grilled chicken pesto sandwich variations ? Easy! I sometimes add rocket for a peppery kick.

Right, let's talk grub. This Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe? It's a winner. Think proper cafe food, but made by you .

Less £££, more yum! I'm talking gourmet sandwiches that are both easy and tasty.

The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:15 Mins

Servings:2 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 6 oz / 170g each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed (approximately 60g)
• ¼ cup pine nuts (30g)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
• ½ cup olive oil (120ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ciabatta loaf, halved horizontally (approx. 12 inches/ 30 cm long)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (about 4 oz / 110g)
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (40g)
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened (30g) - for toasting the bread (optional)

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Place chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure chicken is well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
• Combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor is running until a smooth paste forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• If desired, lightly butter the cut sides of the ciabatta loaf.
• Grill or toast the bread, cut-side down, until lightly golden brown.
• Spread a generous amount of pesto on the bottom half of each ciabatta loaf. Top with grilled chicken slices, mozzarella cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Top with the top half of the ciabatta loaf. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:650-750

Fat:40-50g

Fiber:30-40g

Recipe Info

Category:Sandwich

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, bits and bobs we need for this glorious Mediterranean chicken sandwich . Listen up closely!

• Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170g each). Aim for decent quality; nobody wants chewy chicken.
• Marinade: 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml ), 1 tablespoon lemon juice ( 15ml ), 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Pesto: 2 cups fresh basil (approx. 60g ), ¼ cup pine nuts ( 30g ), 2 garlic cloves, ½ cup Parmesan ( 50g ), ½ cup olive oil ( 120ml ). Or, cheat's way, 4-6 oz of ready-made pesto. Your shout.
• Sandwich: 1 ciabatta loaf (around 12 inches/ 30 cm ), 4 mozzarella slices (about 4 oz / 110g ), ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes ( 40g ), and 2 tablespoons softened butter ( 30g ).

Seasoning Notes

Spice-wise, oregano in the marinade is key for that Mediterranean chicken sandwich vibe. Salt and pepper? Obvs. For the pesto, don't skimp on garlic.

If you're feeling fancy, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick! Not into pine nuts? Walnuts work just fine.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple. You'll need:

• A grill pan (or a barbecue if the weather's playing ball).
• Bowls for marinating and mixing.
• A knife, obvs.
• A food processor (if you're making your own pesto, otherwise don't worry about it!).

You can make this easy chicken sandwich recipe with minimal fuss. You could use a frying pan instead of a grill, a blender instead of a food processor, or whatever is handy.

Honestly, this Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich is just...divine. It's like, one minute I'm craving a chicken sandwich, the next, I'm making this pesto chicken sandwich recipe .

This dish will make you feel like you're sat in a cafe abroad. The Ciabatta sandwich recipe is really easy to follow, and is ideal for those with less cooking experience.

What a Homemade pesto sandwich !

Talking of tasty variations, don't be afraid to swap out the mozzarella for other tasty cheeses, or even different herbs. The possibilities are endless.

Cooking Method: Building the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Right then, let's get cracking on this Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe. Think of it as a posh "chicken sarnie" – the kind you'd happily pay a tenner for at a trendy deli, but can easily whip up at home.

It's a type of cafe food I always see available.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!

Honestly, getting your stuff together first makes life so much easier. Essential mise en place means chopping the garlic, measuring out your olive oil.

Make sure you have everything ready before you start, you know?

Time-saving tip? Make your pesto chicken sandwich recipe on Sunday! You can whip it up, store it in the fridge, and you're winning on Monday.

Don't forget safety either. Mind that hot grill!

Step-by-Step: Building the Dream Sandwich

1. Marinate your chicken. Whisk together the marinade ingredients. Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes .
2. If you're making it from scratch, prepare the pesto in food processor.
3. Get your grill smoking hot. Medium-high heat is perfect.
4. Grill the chicken for 5- 7 minutes per side. Internal temp should be 165° F ( 74° C) .
5. Toast that ciabatta! Butter it up if you're feeling fancy.
6. Assemble like a boss. Pesto, chicken, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes.
7. Melt the cheese under the broiler or in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for a minute or two
8. Serve and demolish!

Pro Tips: Gourmet Sandwiches Made Easy

Pro tip number one: Don't overcook the chicken! Dry chicken is tragic. Use a meat thermometer, seriously. This is my favourite Easy chicken sandwich recipe !

Avoid skimping on the pesto. It's the star of the show. Get a good quality one. Or, even better, make your own! This homemade pesto sandwich is one of the best!

Make-ahead? You can marinate the chicken and prep the pesto the day before. Total game-changer. You know, Grilled chicken sandwich ideas are endless but this one.

..gold! Thinking of Grilled chicken pesto sandwich variations are all fun and good, but this is the ultimate choice.

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Right then, let’s dive into some extra bits about this Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich . Honestly, making this sandwich is easier than finding a decent parking spot on a Saturday! Here are my top tips to make this a "proper" Grilled Chicken Sandwich .

Serving This Bad Boy

Alright, so you've got your gourmet sandwiches ready. Now what? I always think presentation is key. Plating wise, think about cutting the sandwich diagonally – makes it look extra fancy! Serve with a side of homemade coleslaw.

A crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette would go down a treat too. And for drinks? A cold glass of lemonade, or even a chilled glass of white wine is just the ticket.

The kind of Cafe Food you will pay top-dollar for!

Nifty Storage Tips

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, listen up! Wrap the sandwich tightly in cling film and store in the fridge.

Consume within 24 hours. Freezing isn't ideal. The bread will get a bit soggy. Reheating? Toast it gently in a pan or oven to warm through.

It brings it back to life.

Switch It Up! Variations Galore

Fancy a twist? Add a sprinkle of chilli flakes to the Homemade Pesto Sandwich for a bit of a kick.

Feeling virtuous? Swap the ciabatta for wholemeal bread. You can even use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version. If you want to try Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich variations without pine nuts, use walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.

For a seasonal swap, try adding roasted butternut squash slices in the autumn or Mediterranean chicken sandwich with Grilled halloumi cheese.

Nutrition Talk

Let’s keep it real. This ciabatta sandwich recipe packs a punch. Think around 650-750 calories, with a good whack of protein thanks to the chicken, fats from the pesto and mozzarella, and carbs from the bread.

It’s a satisfying meal! Pesto is rich in antioxidants and Parmesan gives you calcium. This Easy Chicken Sandwich Recipe is a great source of protein, crucial for muscle repair, but Easy Chicken Sandwich Recipe still makes it delicious.

Honestly, give this Pesto Chicken Sandwich Recipe a go! It is one of the Grilled Chicken Sandwich Ideas I have had and I reckon you'll absolutely love it. Enjoy and happy sandwich-making!