Go Back
chicken pesto sandwich recipe
Ben Carraoli

Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

When I first made this chicken pesto sandwich, I was instantly hooked by the blend of rich pesto, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, and roasted peppers. It quickly became a go-to recipe for weekends when I crave something hearty yet easy to put together.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Roasted tomato & Parmesan focaccia bread: Opt for high-quality focaccia for the most aroma and texture. The roasted tomato and Parmesan amplify the overall taste.
  • Pesto chicken: Use chicken breasts marinated in pesto for the best flavor. Pre-cooked chicken works in a pinch but freshly made is unbeatable.
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese sliced: Use fresh mozzarella for its creamy, soft texture. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as well.
  • Roasted red peppers: Go with jarred roasted peppers for a shortcut but fresh grilled peppers can add a slightly smoky and sweet flavor.
  • Pesto sauce: Homemade pesto always wins for authentic flavors but store-bought basil pesto works perfectly for convenience.

Method
 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place the focaccia bread in the oven for about 8 minutes. This helps amplify its flavor while ensuring a warm, crisp texture.
  2. If you have an air fryer, cook the chicken at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! Cook it on a stovetop over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side. Once cooked, slice the chicken into thin, even strips.
  3. Spread about ¼ cup of pesto sauce evenly over the bottom half of the toasted focaccia. Layer on the sliced chicken, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers. Add the top half of the focaccia bread to complete the sandwich.
  4. To finish, place the sandwich back in the oven for an additional 2 minutes. This step warms the components and melts the mozzarella to gooey perfection.
  5. Remove from the oven, slice in half, and serve immediately. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

  • Slice your chicken evenly to ensure each bite gets the perfect balance of all the ingredients.
  • Make your pesto from scratch whenever possible; the fresh basil and pine nut flavors elevate the sandwich dramatically.
  • Instead of regular mozzarella, burrata cheese adds an extra creamy center.
  • Get creative with your bread! A ciabatta roll or multigrain loaf can be suitable substitutes.
  • If you’re making multiple sandwiches, assemble them all beforehand and bake together to save time.