The Best Grilled Pesto Chicken Sandwich

If you want a delicious grilled chicken sandwich, this recipe will be your go-to! It is so easy to make and has bold flavor in every bite!

First, season your chicken! You can use whatever seasoning you like, but I prefer salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Drizzle a little oil on your chicken and season well. Get your chicken grilling and cook until internal temperature reaches 165 internal (about 18-20 minutes on the grill).

While your chicken is cooking, make your Calabrian chili mayo! Add 2 tbsp mayonnaise to 1-2 tbsp of canned Calabrian chilis. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Set aside. Lastly, for our pesto, add 3/4 cup of olive oil, 1 bunch or 1 1/2 cup of basil, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt to a food processor and blend. For extra nuttiness att 1/4 cup pine nuts!

To assemble your sandwich, first grill your ciabatta bread and add a tbsp of the mayo. Layer on the chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomato, arugula, and pesto. Dig in to this delicious sandwich and enjoy!

The Best Grilled Pesto Chicken Sandwich

This Grilled Pesto Chicken Sandwich is packed with bold flavors from juicy grilled chicken, fresh basil pesto, and a spicy Calabrian chili mayo. Layered with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and arugula on toasted ciabatta, this sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course, sandwich

Cuisine american fusion, Italian

Servings 4

Equipment

• Grill or Grill Pan
• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowls
• Knife & Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

For the Calabrian Chili Mayo:

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1-2 tbsp canned Calabrian chilis adjust for spice level
• Pinch of salt

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved to reduce thickness
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pesto:

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups fresh basil about 1 bunch
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• Pinch of salt

For Assembling the Sandwich:

• 4 ciabatta rolls
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella
• 1 large tomato sliced
• 1 cup arugula

Instructions

 

Step 1: Grill the Chicken

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• In a bowl, drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
• Place chicken on the grill and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Remove from the grill and let rest.

Step 2: Make the Calabrian Chili Mayo

• In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Calabrian chilis, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Pesto

• In a food processor, blend basil, olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and salt until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

• Lightly grill the ciabatta rolls until golden.
• Spread Calabrian chili mayo on the bottom half of each roll.
• Layer on grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and arugula.
• Drizzle with homemade pesto and close the sandwich.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

• Serve warm and enjoy this bold and flavorful grilled pesto chicken sandwich!

Keyword ciabatta, grilled chicken sandwich, pesto chicken sandwich