Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 1 pound
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

For the Sandwiches

  • 4 ciabatta rolls sliced in half horizontally
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise divided, optional
  • â…“ cup pesto divided
  • 6 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
  • 4 Roma tomatoes sliced
  • avocado oil

Instructions:

  1. Place 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts on cutting board. Use sharp knife to slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 evenly-sized chicken cutlets. If needed, pound thicker areas with tenderizer or rolling pin until cutlets are evenly thick all over.
  2. Generously sprinkle 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides of chicken cutlets, coating chicken well. Set aside.
  3. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. When pan is warm, add 1 tablespoon avocado oil and swirl pan to distribute oil across entire surface. Continue heating pan until oil is hot and shimmery.
  4. When oil is hot, place seasoned chicken cutlets in skillet. Sear chicken 3 to 5 minutes, then flip each cutlet over. Sear chicken 3 to 5 minutes more, until internal temperature of chicken reaches 160° Fahrenheit.
  5. Once chicken reaches target temperature, carefully transfer cutlets to large plate and set aside.
  6. Place halved ciabatta rolls in skillet with inside of rolls facing down. Work in batches as needed depending on size of skillet. Toast ciabatta rolls 1 to 2 minutes, just until rolls are lightly golden. Remove toasted rolls from skillet and repeat with any remaining rolls.
  7. Set toasted rolls aside. Keep skillet warm over medium heat.
  8. To Assemble the Sandwiches
  9. Place ciabatta rolls on cutting board, with insides of rolls facing up.
  10. Cover one ciabatta roll half per sandwich with 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, using 4 tablespoons mayonnaise total. Spread mayonnaise out to cover entire surface of rolls.
  11. Cover other ciabatta roll half per sandwich with 1 ¼ tablespoons pesto, using ⅓ cup pesto total. Spread pesto out to cover entire surface of rolls.
  12. Place one cutlet on top of each ciabatta half coated in mayonnaise.
  13. Place 1 ½ ounces of sliced mozzarella on top of each chicken cutlet, using 6 ounces fresh mozzarella total.
  14. Place tomato slices on top of mozzarella, using 1 Roma tomato per sandwich (4 Roma tomatoes total).
  15. Top sandwich with ciabatta halves covered in pesto, so that pesto is on inside of sandwich.
  16. Lightly brush avocado oil on top of sandwiches. Place sandwiches in skillet with avocado oil facing down.
  17. Cook each sandwich 2 minutes, then flip sandwiches over and cook 2 minutes more, until mozzarella is melted and sandwiches are warmed through. Remove sandwiches from skillet and serve immediately.

FAQs:

  1. What is a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?
    • A Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a delicious sandwich that typically features grilled or roasted chicken breast, fresh pesto sauce, cheese, and vegetables, all layered between slices of your favorite bread or a bun. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal option.
  2. How do I make a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?
    • To make a Chicken Pesto Sandwich, start by grilling or roasting chicken breast until fully cooked. Spread pesto sauce on slices of bread or a bun, add the cooked chicken, and top with your choice of cheese (such as mozzarella or provolone), and vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, or roasted red peppers. You can toast the sandwich in a pan or oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
  3. Can I use store-bought pesto for a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?
    • Yes, you can use store-bought pesto for convenience. However, if you prefer a fresher taste, you can make homemade pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil blended together.
  4. What types of bread are best for a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?
    • The best bread for a Chicken Pesto Sandwich depends on your preference. Popular choices include ciabatta, focaccia, sourdough, or a crusty baguette. Whole wheat or multigrain bread can also be great options for a healthier twist.
  5. Can I make a vegetarian version of a Chicken Pesto Sandwich?
    • Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, or using a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or tempeh. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same to enjoy a flavorful vegetarian sandwich.

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