Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella

Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella: A Delicious and Easy Meal

If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying sandwich, this Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella is the perfect choice! With juicy seasoned chicken, fresh mozzarella, and rich pesto all served on toasted ciabatta rolls, this sandwich is bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Perfect for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, it’s simple to make yet tastes like something you’d get at a gourmet café.

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 (optional)
• ⅓ cup pesto
• 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• Avocado oil, for brushing

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Slice the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice them horizontally to create 4 evenly sized chicken cutlets. To ensure even cooking, use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to pound any thicker areas of the chicken until they are uniform in thickness.

2. Season the Chicken:

• Season generously: Sprinkle the chicken cutlets on all sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Set the chicken aside to absorb the seasoning while you prepare the other ingredients.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the skillet.
• Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Toast the Ciabatta Rolls:

• Toast the bread: In the same skillet, place the halved ciabatta rolls, cut-side down, and toast them for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove the toasted rolls and set them aside.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches:

• Mayonnaise (optional): If using, spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each ciabatta roll.
• Add pesto: On the other side of the ciabatta roll, spread about 1 ¼ tablespoons of pesto evenly.
• Layer the sandwich: Place one cooked chicken cutlet on the mayonnaise-coated side of each roll. Top the chicken with 1 ½ ounces of sliced mozzarella and a few slices of Roma tomatoes.
• Close the sandwich: Complete each sandwich by closing it with the pesto-covered half of the ciabatta roll.

6. Grill the Sandwiches:

• Brush with oil: Lightly brush the tops of the sandwiches with a bit of avocado oil.
• Grill the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the skillet, oil-side down, and grill for about 2 minutes. Flip the sandwiches and cook for another 2 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and the sandwiches are heated through.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Serve immediately: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve them while they’re still warm, gooey, and full of flavor!

Recipe Notes:

• Make It Your Own: Feel free to add additional toppings like fresh basil, arugula, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Ciabatta Rolls: If you can’t find ciabatta rolls, you can substitute with other sturdy bread like sourdough or French rolls.
• Pesto Tip: Homemade pesto can elevate the flavors even more, but store-bought pesto works wonderfully too!

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 sandwiches
• Calories: 600 kcal per serving

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich with Mozzarella is packed with delicious flavors, from the juicy, seasoned chicken to the creamy mozzarella and fresh pesto. It’s a simple, yet sophisticated sandwich that’s perfect for any meal, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re making these for a quick family dinner or as a gourmet lunch, these sandwiches are guaranteed to satisfy!

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