Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Bursting with fresh, herby pesto flavor
✔️ Easy to make with grilled or rotisserie chicken
✔️ Great hot or cold
✔️ Customizable with your favorite bread, cheese & toppings
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, rotisserie, or pan-seared), sliced or shredded
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese
- 4–6 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 4 sandwich rolls, ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough bread
- Tomato slices (optional)
- Arugula or spinach (optional)
- Butter or olive oil (for toasting bread)
👩🍳 Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Prep the Bread
- Slice and lightly toast the bread or rolls for extra crunch (optional but recommended).
- Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice. Add mayo to the other slice if using.
🔸 Step 2: Layer the Sandwich
- On the bottom half, layer with:
- Sliced or shredded chicken
- Cheese slices
- Optional: Tomato slices and greens
- Top with the other half of the bread.
🔸 Step 3: Heat It Up (Optional but tasty!)
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and butter the outsides of the sandwich (like a grilled cheese).
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
🥗 Serving Ideas
- Pair with chips, soup, or a side salad
- Serve with a pickle spear or roasted veggies
- Make it a wrap or serve open-faced on toast for a lighter version
❄️ Storage Tips
- Fridge: Wrap tightly and store up to 2 days (best cold or reheated in skillet)
- Meal Prep Tip: Keep pesto and bread separate until ready to eat to avoid sogginess
🧄 Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey
- Creamy: Add a layer of sliced avocado
- Cheesy: Mix pesto with cream cheese for a rich spread
- Baked Version: Assemble and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, wrapped in foil
❓ FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Use a good-quality basil pesto or try sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
What kind of chicken works best?
Grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover breaded chicken all work great.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Totally! Use grilled veggies, mozzarella, and pesto for a killer veggie version.
💡 Final Thoughts
This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re toasting it for a melty finish or keeping it fresh and simple, it’s a go-to sandwich that never disappoints. 🌿🥪
Want a panini version or low-carb lettuce wrap twist next? Let me know!