Savor the essence of Italy with this mouthwatering Italian chicken pesto sandwich, a gourmet delight that’s as effortless as it is indulgent. The harmonious union of tender grilled chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and fresh mozzarella cheese, all nestled within a crispy baguette or rustic ciabatta roll, creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick fix or a leisurely repast, this Italian-inspired masterpiece is sure to transport your taste buds on a culinary journey through the Tuscan countryside.
Why You’ll Love This
If you’ve been fortunate enough to savor a genuine Italian-style chicken pesto sandwich, this recipe will transport you back to that momentous culinary experience. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to impress even the most discerning palates, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and get-togethers. On the other hand, simplicity is also one of this sandwich’s greatest strengths – with straightforward instructions, anyone can prepare a mouth-watering toasted chicken pesto sandwich that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Basil Pesto
While store-bought pesto can be a convenient option, I’m a firm believer in the charm of homemade pesto. My recipe, featuring basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese, yields a rich and flavorful condiment that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip. And if you’re feeling adventurous, keep an eye out for artisanal pesto vendors at your local farmers market – it’s a great way to repurpose leftover pesto and discover new flavor profiles.
How to Make this Grilled Chicken Sandwich
To create this mouthwatering grilled chicken sandwich, start by seasoning the chicken breast with a blend of your favorite seasonings. Next, cook the chicken in a grill pan or on an outdoor grill for a few minutes per side. Meanwhile, sauté the tomatoes, shallots, garlic, and other desired seasonings until they’re tender and flavorful. Once the ingredients are cooked, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Spread a layer of pesto over the chicken, followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the chicken under the broiler or in a toaster oven to melt the cheese. While the cheese is melting, prepare the bread by spreading garlic butter over it and toasting until crispy. To assemble the sandwiches, place a slice of toasted bread on a plate, followed by a layer of fresh pesto, the tomato mixture, the grilled chicken, and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Serve the sandwich warm and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
While traditional turkey is a great option for these hot sandwiches, feel free to experiment with chicken thighs or even other types of cheese if you prefer. The combination of flavors and textures works well with Swiss cheese too, but personally, I’m a sucker for the gooey goodness that mozzarella brings.
Storage Directions
When it comes to this pesto chicken sandwich recipe, timing is everything. It’s best enjoyed fresh out of the kitchen, but if you do find yourself with leftovers, fear not! Simply store the sandwiches in a sealed container or wrap them tightly and keep them refrigerated for up to a day. If you’re looking to revive the flavors, simply microwave the sandwich and it’ll be good as new.
Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipes FAQs
While it’s possible to create panini-style sandwiches without a panini press, using one can add a satisfying crunch and texture. The good news is that the recipe remains adaptable, allowing you to enjoy this toasted Italian sandwich with or without compression. If you don’t have a panini maker, fear not – you can still prepare these fresh and easy homemade sandwiches.Regarding low-carb variations, you can actually transform this sandwich into a salad-based meal by serving the ingredients over a bed of greens instead of between bread halves. While it may not be a traditional sandwich, the combination of chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and other ingredients will still yield a flavorful and satisfying meal.As for gluten-free options, simply substitute the traditional bun with a gluten-free alternative to create a sandwich that’s both delicious and accommodating to dietary restrictions.
Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe
Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich
An Italian chicken pesto sandwich is a culinary masterpiece that combines the flavors of Italy with the comfort of a classic sandwich. Toasted bread, succulent chicken, and rich pesto sauce come together to create a quick and easy dinner or lunch option. This gourmet treat, one of my personal favorites, is a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Instructions
To prepare the grilled chicken, start by heating a grill pan over high heat. Meanwhile, combine garlic powder, basil, pepper, salt, and oregano in a small bowl or ramekin. Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with the prepared seasoning blend. Brush the grill pan with olive oil and add the chicken, cooking for 3 minutes per side before flipping and finishing off. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to the oven preheated to 375 degrees F.To prepare the tomato sauce, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Combine olive oil, cherry tomatoes, shallot, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt in a mixing bowl and mix well. Add the mixture to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes start to blister.Next, spread a dollop of pesto over each piece of chicken and top with mozzarella cheese. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and cook until the cheese is melted and covers the chicken. While the cheese melts, prepare the garlic butter by combining melted butter and minced garlic in a small bowl. Brush bread slices with the garlic butter, then place on a baking sheet cut side up for 3-5 minutes to lightly toast.Once toasted, spread remaining pesto over the bread, followed by a layer of tomato relish. Top with the cooked chicken and add a few leaves of fresh basil. Secure the sandwich with a pick, if desired.