This Pesto Chicken Sandwich is loaded with fresh, vibrant flavor and only takes 5 minutes to prepare. It’s a high protein, meal prep friendly recipe that is great for an easy lunch or dinner.
Creating meals that balance convenience, flavor, and satisfying protein has always been important in my kitchen, especially for busy days when everyone still expects something filling and delicious. This Pesto Chicken Sandwich layers tender sliced chicken, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil with bold pesto to create a sandwich that is both hearty and fresh.
I love that this sandwich is especially helpful when time is tight but you still want a meal that feels homemade and customizable. It takes about 5 minutes to assemble using simple, fresh ingredients and is great way to utilize leftover chicken. It can easily be prepped ahead by preparing the sandwich components in advance.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe
- Quick and Simple. This is a 5-min recipe that works perfect for a filling lunch or dinner. It’s meal prep friendly too.
- High Protein. Packed with fresh flavors, this sandwich offers a hearty helping of veggies and delivers over 40g of protein.
- Versatile. You can easily customize this recipe based on your personal preferences or what you already have to work with in your pantry.
Pesto Sandwich Ingredients
- Bread: I prefer a baguette for the best texture and flavor but you could use another type of fresh bread.
- Chicken: I used cooked and sliced chicken breast but you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Dairy: a mozzarella ball for the best flavor or packaged mozzarella slices for convenience
- Flavor Makers: pesto, basil, and ripe tomatoes
- Spices: salt and pepper to taste
How to Make a Chicken Pesto Sandwich
- Start by slicing your baguette lengthwise. Then toast if desired.
- Next, spread the pesto on one side of the bread. Then top with tomato slices, salt and pepper as needed, top with mozzarella and basil followed by the chicken.
Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe Tips
- It’s worth the extra minute or two to toast your bread for that crisp texture and extra flavor.
- Meal prep this recipe by preparing some chicken ahead of time to utilize in multiple meals throughout the week or make the most of any leftover chicken you already have on hand.
- There is a tremendous flavor boost by slicing a mozzarella ball rather than using packaged cheese slices.
What to Serve With This Chicken Pesto Sandwich
If you’re looking to pair this with a side dish or salad, I’ve offered some options below that complement the flavors of this chicken pesto sandwich.
- Cucumber and Feta Salad
- Air Fryer Eggplant
- Grilled Zucchini Recipe
Pesto Sandwich Recipe FAQs
Fresh mozzarella is the most popular choice especially with the ingredients in this sandwich. Burrata, provolone, havarti, or monterey jack are other good options.
I prefer a French baguette for its crisp exterior yet soft, chewy center. Ciabatta and Focaccia are great, classic options. Any fresh, high-quality bread will work though.
There are 488 calories in this sandwich. All the nutrition information including calories, fat, sodium, etc. are included below.
Yes, this is a great high protein lunch or dinner. There are about 46g of protein in each sandwich.
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Chicken Pesto Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 1 baguette
- 2 cups cooked chicken grilled and sliced, or rotisserie works well.
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella slices
- 2-3 tablespoons pesto
- fresh basil leaves
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Slice the bread lengthwise, toast if desired.
-
Spread the pesto on one side of the bread, top with tomato slices, salt and pepper as needed, cooked chicken, top with mozzarella and basil followed by the chicken.