Chicken Pesto Sandwich (Print Version)
Grilled chicken cutlets layered with pesto, mozzarella, and tomato on warm ciabatta rolls.
# Ingredient List:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
→ Marinade & Seasonings
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Pesto
05 - 1/3 cup basil pesto
→ Sandwich Assembly
06 - 4 ciabatta rolls
07 - 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
08 - 1 tomato, sliced
09 - 1/2 cup baby spinach or arugula
10 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
11 - 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting rolls
# Directions:
01 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets for even cooking.
02 - Toss chicken cutlets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
04 - Place a slice of mozzarella on each chicken piece during the final minute of cooking and cover briefly to melt.
05 - Butter the cut sides of the ciabatta rolls and toast cut-side down in a pan until golden.
06 - Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each roll, then layer 1 tablespoon of pesto over the mayo.
07 - Layer spinach or arugula, a slice of tomato, and the warm chicken with melted mozzarella on the bottom half. Cap with the top half of the roll and serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way warm mozzarella barely holds together against juicy chicken is the kind of messy that makes you forget plates exist
- It comes together in the time it takes to text a friend you're running late
02 -
- Overcooking the cutlets because you're nervous about chicken is the number one way to ruin this sandwich
- Putting the cheese on too early means it melts completely off the chicken and onto your pan instead of staying where you want it
03 -
- Pound the cutlets to an even thickness with the flat side of a meat mallet if they're uneven after slicing
- Let the chicken rest for two minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute before you stack the sandwich