Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich
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.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
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.