Description
A delicious and quick Chicken Pesto Sandwich featuring tender Italian-seasoned chicken cutlets, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and a flavorful pesto mayo spread, all toasted to melty perfection on crusty ciabatta rolls. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into 4 cutlets and pounded thin)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper (to season the chicken)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sandwich
- 2 large ciabatta bread rolls (or 3 sandwich size rolls)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup prepared pesto (homemade or jarred)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- 2 tomatoes (sliced)
- Salt (to season the tomatoes)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Prepare the Bread: Split the ciabatta rolls in half lengthwise. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise followed by pesto on both the top and bottom halves of the bread to build flavor layers.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Layer the cooked chicken cutlets on the bottom half of each roll, then add slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato. Lightly season the tomato slices with salt for enhanced taste, and cover with the top bread halves.
- Toast the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwiches in a toaster oven or sandwich press. Toast until the mozzarella cheese melts and the bread is nicely toasted, about 3-5 minutes. Serve immediately with your choice of chips or a side salad.
Notes
- For the best flavor, use homemade pesto if possible, but good quality jarred pesto works well too.
- If ciabatta rolls are unavailable, sturdy sandwich rolls or baguette slices can be substituted.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, pound the cutlets to an even thinness before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially the salt on tomatoes and chicken.
- Leftover sandwiches can be wrapped and refrigerated but are best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
