This Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto is a gourmet sandwich that’s perfect for any lunch or dinner! The smoky grilled chicken breast is topped with a flavorful homemade arugula-basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked mozzarella, and fresh arugula—all nestled between two soft, rustic pieces of bread. This sandwich brings the bright, bold flavors of a bistro-style meal right to your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, packed with savory flavors, and perfect for satisfying your cravings!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets
Olive oil
Pinch of salt
Pinch of black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, pressed through a garlic press

For the Sandwich:

4 ounces smoked mozzarella (or plain), thinly sliced or grated
1 soft ciabatta loaf (14-16 ounce), cut into 4 equal pieces (can use focaccia or rustic rolls as well)
4 tablespoons (about ¼ cup) julienned sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, if possible)
1 cup micro arugula or regular arugula leaves

For the Arugula-Basil Pesto Sauce:

4 ounces fresh basil leaves, stems removed
2 tablespoons pine nuts
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Juice of ½ lemon
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup arugula leaves
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic. Toss to coat and marinate for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Pesto Sauce: Blanch the basil leaves by dunking them in boiling water for 5-10 seconds, then shock them in ice water and pat dry. In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth.
Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken cutlets for 3 minutes per side, or until golden-brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes.
Broil the Sandwiches: Preheat your broiler and place the grilled chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Top each with mozzarella cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread pesto sauce generously on both sides of the bread. Place a cheesy grilled chicken breast on the bottom slice, and top with sun-dried tomatoes and arugula. Close the sandwich with the top slice of bread and serve.

Nutrients

Calories: 688 kcal
Protein: 39g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g

A Flavor-Packed Grilled Chicken Breast

The heart of this sandwich is, of course, the grilled chicken. By marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice, you ensure that each bite is full of flavor. The lemon adds a fresh, zesty touch, while the garlic and Italian seasoning give the chicken a savory depth. Slicing the chicken breasts into thinner cutlets not only speeds up the marinating and cooking process but also results in a tender, juicy texture that complements the richness of the other sandwich ingredients.

Grilling the chicken over medium-high heat helps to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear, while keeping the inside moist and succulent. The final resting period before assembling the sandwich ensures the chicken retains its juices, preventing it from becoming dry or tough.

A Flavorful Arugula-Basil Pesto Sauce

One of the standout features of this sandwich is the arugula-basil pesto sauce, which elevates the entire dish. Traditional pesto typically uses basil as the base, but by incorporating arugula, you add a peppery edge that complements the creamy, nutty flavor of the pine nuts. The combination of fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and garlic blended together creates a pesto sauce that’s both vibrant and rich, providing the perfect balance of fresh and savory notes.

What sets this pesto apart from traditional versions is the lemon zest and lemon juice, which add a refreshing citrusy brightness to the sauce. This zingy note cuts through the richness of the cheese and olive oil, giving it a sharpness that balances out the heaviness of the grilled chicken and cheese.

Smoked Mozzarella: A Perfect Cheese Choice

Smoked mozzarella is an ideal cheese for this sandwich, offering a distinctive smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken and pesto sauce. The cheese melts smoothly and beautifully under the broiler, creating a gooey layer that adds a creamy richness to each bite. If you can’t find smoked mozzarella, regular mozzarella will work just as well, although the smokiness does add an extra layer of complexity to the flavor profile.

The cheese also melts perfectly, making each sandwich bite an indulgent, comforting experience. As you take a bite, the gooey mozzarella blends harmoniously with the pesto sauce and juicy chicken, creating a satisfying texture contrast with the crispy, toasted bread.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes for a Sweet, Tangy Punch

Adding sun-dried tomatoes to this sandwich not only provides a pop of color but also contributes a sweet, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste profile. These tomatoes, often packed in oil, have a concentrated flavor that adds a slight richness and slight acidity, which perfectly contrasts the richness of the pesto and cheese.

Sun-dried tomatoes are also a great way to incorporate umami into the sandwich without overwhelming the palate, balancing out the other ingredients and giving the dish a more sophisticated edge. They’re the ideal complement to the grilled chicken and pesto, providing another layer of flavor complexity.

Arugula: Freshness and Crunch in Every Bite

No sandwich is complete without some form of fresh greens, and in this case, arugula is the perfect choice. Its peppery bite brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken, mozzarella, and pesto, adding a vibrant note that keeps the sandwich from feeling too heavy. The freshness of the arugula also lightens the overall dish, making each bite feel fresh and satisfying.

The texture of arugula also contributes to the sandwich’s appeal, offering a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft bread and melted cheese. You can opt for micro arugula for a more delicate texture or regular arugula for a bolder bite, depending on your preference.

The Bread: Soft, Rustic, and Flavorful

For a sandwich of this caliber, the bread needs to be just as special. A ciabatta loaf works wonderfully here due to its airy interior and slightly crunchy crust. Its rustic nature adds a hearty, chewy texture that complements the sandwich’s filling, while the bread’s mild flavor allows the other ingredients to shine without overpowering them.

Alternatively, you can use focaccia or rustic rolls if you prefer a different type of bread. Both choices bring their own unique texture and flavor, but the key is to choose a bread that can hold up to the richness of the chicken, cheese, and pesto without falling apart.

A Complete Meal in Every Bite

What makes this sandwich so wonderful is that it’s a complete meal packed into a single serving. With the grilled chicken providing lean protein, the pesto sauce offering healthy fats and antioxidants, and the vegetables like arugula and sun-dried tomatoes adding fiber and nutrients, this sandwich is both delicious and nourishing.

It’s a great way to enjoy a balanced meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies makes this sandwich a well-rounded dish that will keep you full and satisfied, whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack.

Customizing the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto

While this sandwich is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

Add Extra Veggies: If you love extra veggies, consider adding sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or sautéed spinach for added flavor and texture.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add sliced jalapeños or drizzle the sandwich with some hot sauce to give it a spicy twist.
Vegan Option: To make this sandwich vegan, simply swap the chicken breast with grilled portobello mushrooms or a vegan protein patty, and use a dairy-free mozzarella in place of the smoked mozzarella.

Conclusion: A Gourmet Sandwich Experience

In conclusion, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto is a gourmet, satisfying meal that combines smoky, juicy chicken with bold pesto, creamy cheese, and a tangy kick from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh arugula. The sandwich is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you’re craving something both indulgent and wholesome.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving it to guests, this sandwich is sure to impress with its well-balanced flavors, vibrant ingredients, and beautiful presentation. The recipe also lends itself to customization, so you can tailor it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

With its combination of flavorful pesto, tender grilled chicken, and the crunchy texture of fresh vegetables, this sandwich is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and sophistication—easy to prepare but impressive enough for any occasion.

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