Grilled Chicken and Pesto Sandwich
Elina James
Sink your teeth into this delicious Grilled Chicken and Pesto Sandwich a flavorful, café-style meal that’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner! Juicy grilled chicken is layered with fresh basil pesto, melty cheese, and crisp veggies, all tucked between perfectly toasted bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 slices of sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, or artisan bread
- 3–4 tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and sliced
- 4 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting bread)
Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh arugula or spinach leaves
- Red onion slices
- Roasted red peppers
Grill the Chicken Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Prep the Bread Spread pesto generously on one side of each slice of bread. Layer one slice with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese. Add any optional ingredients like arugula or onions. Top with the second slice of bread, pesto side down.
Grill the Sandwich Heat butter in a skillet or sandwich press over medium heat. Place the sandwich on the pan and press slightly with a spatula or grill weight. Grill each side for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted. Remove, slice in half, and serve hot.
Keyword Grilled Chicken and Pesto Sandwich