Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is the ultimate combination of fresh basil pesto, juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and vibrant tomatoes a delicious twist inspired by classic Caprese sandwiches. It’s ideal for anyone searching for filling sandwiches, yummy sandwiches for dinner, or easy delicious sandwiches to enjoy any night of the week.

Because it’s simple, wholesome, and portable, it also works beautifully for picnic sandwiches recipes, spring sandwich ideas, healthy food sandwich inspiration, and picnic food ideas sandwiches. Whether you’re prepping lunch on the go or building a spread of sandwich ideas for picnic, this chicken pesto version is fresh, hearty, and full of bright Italian-style flavors.

Perfectly toasted, melty, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 sandwiches

Ingredients List

Sandwich Base

• 2 cups cooked shredded or sliced chicken breast
• 4 sandwich rolls, ciabatta, or focaccia
• ¾ cup fresh basil pesto
• 8 slices fresh mozzarella
• 1–2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup spinach or arugula
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons

• Balsamic glaze
• Red onion slices
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Roasted peppers

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Toaster oven, skillet, or panini press
• Spoon or spreader
• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prepare the bread
   Slice your rolls or focaccia. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
2. Toast lightly
   Warm the bread in a skillet or toaster oven for 1–2 minutes.
3. Spread pesto
   Add a generous layer of basil pesto on both sides.
   (Your kitchen should instantly smell amazing!
4. Add chicken
   Layer shredded or sliced chicken evenly on the bottom half.
5. Add mozzarella and tomatoes
   Add mozzarella slices, then top with tomatoes.
   Season lightly with salt and pepper.
6. Add greens
   A handful of arugula or spinach adds freshness and crunch.
7. Close and warm (optional)
   Heat in a skillet or panini press for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
8. Serve immediately
   Perfect warm or cold ideal for picnics and fast dinners.

Pro Tips Section

1. Caprese-style twist:
   Add balsamic glaze for Italian-inspired sweetness.
2. Meal prep friendly:
   Prepare the chicken + pesto mixture ahead, assemble when needed.
3. Healthier option:
   Use whole-grain bread & extra greens for a healthy food sandwich.
4. Best bread for picnics:
   Ciabatta or focaccia holds up well without getting soggy.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimated and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This fresh and flavorful chicken pesto sandwich is layered with basil pesto, juicy chicken, mozzarella, and veggies — perfect for lunches, picnics, or a quick dinner.

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Course: Dinner, Lunch, Sandwich

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 ciabatta or focaccia rolls
• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
• 2 tbsp basil pesto
• 0.5 cup sliced fresh mozzarella or shredded
• 1 tomato, sliced
• 1 cup mixed greens or spinach

Equipment

• bread knife
• skillet or sandwich press optional, for warming
• spatula

Method

 

1. Slice and lightly toast the ciabatta or focaccia. Spread pesto on both sides of the bread.
2. Layer with cooked chicken, mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh greens.
3. Serve cold or warm in a skillet or sandwich press until cheese melts. Enjoy warm or chilled.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 26gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use grilled or rotisserie chicken. For a hot sandwich, toast it in a skillet or panini press until cheese melts. Ciabatta, focaccia, or baguette all work well.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is the perfect mix of freshness, flavor, and convenience. Whether you want a simple dinner, a packable picnic sandwich, or a healthy, filling lunch, this recipe gives you delicious Italian-inspired flavor in every bite. Easy, customizable, and quick to assemble — it’s a sandwich you’ll want to make again and again.

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