Description
Gourmet chicken pesto sandwich promises a flavor explosion from Mediterranean kitchens. Crisp bread, succulent chicken, and aromatic basil pesto create a perfect lunch companion you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 ciabatta rolls (or sourdough, focaccia, or baguette)
- 4 tbsps pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella (or provolone)
- 1 large tomato (sliced)
- ½ cup arugula or fresh basil leaves (optional)
- 2 tbsps mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thin, uniform cutlets for swift and even cooking.
- Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with an aromatic blend of seasonings to enhance flavor profile.
- Cooking Surface: Heat skillet or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an optimal environment for achieving golden-brown exterior.
- Searing: Place seasoned chicken on hot surface, allowing each side to develop a caramelized crust while ensuring complete internal cooking.
- Temperature Check: Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety and eliminate potential bacteria.
- Resting: Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining maximum moisture and tenderness.
- Sandwich Assembly: Spread vibrant pesto on selected bread, layer sliced chicken, and incorporate fresh, crisp vegetable accompaniments.
- Presentation: Slice sandwich diagonally to create an appealing visual and facilitate easier consumption.
Notes
- Perfect Chicken Thickness: Slice chicken breasts horizontally to ensure even, thin cutlets that cook quickly and prevent dryness.
- Maximize Flavor Coating: Thoroughly season chicken with aromatic spices, ensuring complete coverage for a rich, well-developed taste profile.
- Precise Cooking Temperature: Use medium-high heat to create a golden-brown exterior while maintaining internal juiciness, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Safe Internal Temperature: Always check chicken reaches 165°F internally to guarantee food safety and eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg