I have always loved the combination of fresh, vibrant flavors wrapped in a warm, toasted sandwich. One afternoon, while experimenting in my kitchen, I combined juicy grilled chicken with fragrant basil pesto, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables between perfectly toasted bread, and the result was nothing short of amazing. That moment gave birth to my Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich, a recipe that has quickly become a favorite for lunch, dinner, and even a hearty snack.

You will love this recipe because it delivers layers of flavor in every bite. The tender grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the aromatic basil pesto, while the cheese adds that irresistible creaminess. Each bite is satisfying, filling, and yet light enough to enjoy without feeling weighed down. It’s the kind of sandwich that feels gourmet but is actually simple to make at home.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can switch up the bread depending on your preference, add different vegetables, or even use grilled turkey bacon for an extra smoky touch. It adapts easily to dietary preferences, making it perfect for family meals, quick weekday lunches, or even a picnic treat.

Another reason this sandwich stands out is affordability. The ingredients are easy to find, and you don’t need anything fancy to make it taste like a restaurant-quality meal. With simple pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a delicious sandwich that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain)
3 tablespoons basil pesto
4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
1 small tomato, thinly sliced
Handful of fresh spinach or arugula
2 slices turkey bacon, cooked
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for grilling
Salt and pepper, to taste

This combination of ingredients ensures that every sandwich is bursting with flavor, while still being easy to prepare. Whether you’re feeding your family or making a quick lunch for yourself, this sandwich is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

How to Prepare the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Making the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich is simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. With a few easy steps, you can create a sandwich that tastes like it came from a gourmet café.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Lightly pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
Cook the turkey bacon: In a separate pan, cook the turkey bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to drain excess fat.
Prepare the bread: Spread a thin layer of butter or olive oil on the outside of each bread slice. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust when grilling.
Assemble the sandwich: On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, spread a generous tablespoon of basil pesto. Layer with cooked chicken, turkey bacon, fresh spinach or arugula, tomato slices, and cheese. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
Grill the sandwich: Heat a clean skillet or panini press over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwiches on the skillet, pressing down slightly. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute, then slice in half. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Quick and Easy Tips:

You can use leftover grilled chicken to save time.
If you don’t have a grill pan, a regular nonstick skillet works perfectly.
To make it extra melty, cover the skillet with a lid while grilling.

Customizable Options:

Swap mozzarella for cheddar or Swiss for a different flavor profile.
Add roasted red peppers, avocado slices, or caramelized onions for extra richness.
Use whole-grain or gluten-free bread to suit dietary needs.

Why Everyone Loves This Sandwich:

The combination of juicy chicken, savory turkey bacon, and creamy pesto makes it a hit with everyone. It’s perfect for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or casual gatherings. Its versatility allows you to experiment with ingredients while keeping the core flavors balanced and delicious.

This sandwich is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it a practical choice for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends.

Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

The Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a flavorful, satisfying meal that combines tender grilled chicken, savory turkey bacon, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables with aromatic basil pesto. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack and is easy to customize to your taste.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 15
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 1x

Instructions

Trim and flatten the chicken: Remove any excess fat and pound chicken breasts to about ½ inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked (165°F / 75°C internal temperature). Let rest.
Cook the turkey bacon: Fry turkey bacon in a separate pan until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Prepare the bread: Spread a thin layer of butter or olive oil on the outside of each bread slice for grilling.
Assemble the sandwich: On the unbuttered side, spread pesto, then layer chicken, turkey bacon, spinach or arugula, tomato slices, and cheese. Top with remaining bread, buttered side out.
Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet or panini press over medium heat. Press sandwich lightly and cook 3–4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese melts.
Serve: Slice in half and serve warm.

Notes

Use leftover grilled chicken to save time.

Cover the skillet while grilling for extra melty cheese.

Add roasted vegetables, avocado, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

Ensure bread is lightly buttered to achieve a crispy crust.

FAQs – Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

1. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and turkey bacon in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the sandwich just before grilling to keep the bread crispy.

2. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Store-bought pesto works well, but homemade pesto adds a fresher, more vibrant flavor if you have the time.

3. Can I substitute the cheese?
Yes. Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, cheddar, or Swiss can be used depending on your taste preference.

4. How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Spread pesto on the bread rather than the tomatoes, and ensure the chicken is not too wet. Grilling the sandwich just before serving helps maintain crispiness.

5. Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken and turkey bacon with grilled vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant, and it will still be flavorful and satisfying.

6. Can I freeze this sandwich?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Assemble and grill the sandwich when ready to eat.

7. What’s the best bread for this sandwich?
Ciabatta, sourdough, or whole-grain bread works best for a sturdy, toasted sandwich. Soft bread may become too soggy.