Description
Succulent Italian-inspired chicken pesto sandwich delivers pure Mediterranean flavor in one delightful bite. Layers of herbal pesto, grilled chicken, and crisp vegetables create a perfect lunch that will transport your taste buds to coastal Italy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound / 454 grams)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Seasonings:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Cooking Oils:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Avocado oil, for brushing
Sandwich Components:
- 4 ciabatta rolls, sliced in half horizontally
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, divided (optional)
- ⅓ cup pesto, divided
- 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
Instructions
- Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally to create even, thin cutlets, ensuring uniform thickness by gently pounding with a meat mallet if necessary.
- Season chicken cutlets thoroughly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, coating all surfaces to enhance flavor profile.
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat, adding avocado oil and allowing it to shimmer and distribute evenly across the cooking surface.
- Sear seasoned chicken cutlets in the hot skillet, cooking each side for 3-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring complete and safe cooking.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, allowing slight resting time to retain moisture.
- Toast ciabatta roll halves in the same skillet, positioning cut-side down to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Prepare sandwich assembly by laying out toasted ciabatta halves with inner surfaces facing upward.
- Spread mayonnaise generously across one half of each ciabatta roll, creating a creamy base layer.
- Apply pesto evenly on the corresponding roll halves, distributing the herbal sauce across the entire surface.
- Layer each mayonnaise-coated roll with a perfectly cooked chicken cutlet.
- Add fresh mozzarella slices atop the chicken, allowing the cheese to slightly overlap the meat.
- Arrange tomato slices carefully on top of the mozzarella, providing a fresh and juicy element.
- Complete the sandwich by placing the pesto-covered roll halves on top, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
- Lightly brush exterior of sandwiches with avocado oil to promote even browning and added richness.
- Grill sandwiches in the skillet, cooking each side for approximately 2 minutes to melt cheese and warm ingredients thoroughly.
- Remove sandwiches from heat, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are optimal.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally for even, tender cutlets that cook quickly and consistently.
- Season chicken generously with Italian herbs to infuse deep, aromatic flavors throughout the meat.
- Toasting ciabatta rolls in the same skillet adds extra flavor and creates a perfect golden-crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg