Name: Delicious Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Ingredients: Grilled Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) – The star of the dish, grilled chicken adds protein and a savory taste.; Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons (2 for seasoning the chicken and 2 for the pesto) – A healthy fat that adds richness to both the chicken and pesto.; Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt & black pepper to taste – These spices enhance the chicken’s flavor.; Pesto Ingredients: 1 cup fresh basil leaves – The base of our pesto, adding freshness and aromatic flavor.; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds creaminess and depth to the pesto.; 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts) – Provides a nutty flavor and texture.; 2 garlic cloves – Adds a robust flavor to the pesto.; ¼ cup olive oil – Brings together all the pesto ingredients, creating a smooth sauce.; Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.; For the Sandwich: 4 ciabatta rolls or slices of sourdough – Offers a crusty exterior while being soft inside, perfect for holding all the fillings.; 4 slices of cheese (mozzarella or provolone) – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy layer.; 2 medium tomatoes, sliced – Juicy and fresh, providing a lovely burst of flavor.; 1 cup arugula or baby spinach – Adds a peppery freshness and nutrition.; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional) – A creamy component that you can skip for a lighter version.

Description

Enjoy a flavorful Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich with a savory pesto spread, grilled chicken, and fresh ingredients, perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Grilled Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) – The star of the dish, grilled chicken adds protein and a savory taste.
Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons (2 for seasoning the chicken and 2 for the pesto) – A healthy fat that adds richness to both the chicken and pesto.
Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt & black pepper to taste – These spices enhance the chicken’s flavor.
Pesto Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves – The base of our pesto, adding freshness and aromatic flavor.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds creaminess and depth to the pesto.
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts) – Provides a nutty flavor and texture.
- 2 garlic cloves – Adds a robust flavor to the pesto.
- ¼ cup olive oil – Brings together all the pesto ingredients, creating a smooth sauce.
- Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
For the Sandwich:
- 4 ciabatta rolls or slices of sourdough – Offers a crusty exterior while being soft inside, perfect for holding all the fillings.
- 4 slices of cheese (mozzarella or provolone) – Melts beautifully and adds a creamy layer.
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced – Juicy and fresh, providing a lovely burst of flavor.
- 1 cup arugula or baby spinach – Adds a peppery freshness and nutrition.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional) – A creamy component that you can skip for a lighter version.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:Begin by butterflying the chicken breasts to create even cooking. Then, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Brush this mixture generously over the chicken.
Grill the Chicken:Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain moisture.
Make the Pesto:In a food processor, combine 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of pine nuts (or walnuts), and 2 garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped. Then, with the processor running, slowly drizzle in ¼ cup of olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the Bread:Lightly toast the ciabatta rolls or sourdough slices on the grill until golden brown, enhancing texture and flavor.
Assemble the Sandwich:On one slice of the toasted bread, spread a generous amount of pesto. Layer it with the grilled chicken, a slice of cheese, fresh tomato slices, and a handful of arugula (or baby spinach). If desired, spread 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise on the other slice before placing it on top.
Melt the Cheese (Optional):For a melty finish, preheat the grill again and place the assembled sandwiches on it for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:Once done, cut the sandwiches in half and enjoy them warm, paired with chips, a fresh salad, or a comforting bowl of soup!