Pesto Chicken Melt Sandwich (Print Version)

Grilled chicken breast layered with basil pesto and melted mozzarella on crispy toasted ciabatta rolls.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.1 lbs)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

→ Pesto & Cheese

06 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
07 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese (approximately 3.5 oz total)

→ Bread

08 - 4 ciabatta rolls, halved

→ Garnishes

09 - Fresh basil leaves
10 - Sliced tomatoes

# Steps:

01 - Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
02 - Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
03 - Grill chicken cutlets for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
04 - Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on each chicken cutlet during the last minute of grilling. Cover briefly to facilitate melting.
05 - While chicken is grilling, toast the ciabatta roll halves cut-side down on the grill until lightly golden.
06 - Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the cut side of each bottom ciabatta roll half.
07 - Top each pesto-lined roll with one cheese-covered chicken cutlet. Add fresh basil leaves and sliced tomatoes as desired. Crown with the top roll half.
08 - Serve immediately while warm and melted.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It takes just 30 minutes but tastes like you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
  • The pesto seeps into every bite, making even the bread taste incredible.
  • It's flexible enough to throw together on a weeknight or serve to friends who show up unexpectedly.
02 -
  • Slicing the chicken breasts horizontally is non-negotiable, thick breasts take too long and dry out before the cheese melts.
  • Don't skip toasting the ciabatta on the grill, it prevents the bread from getting soggy and adds incredible flavor.
03 -
  • If your grill pan isn't hot enough, the chicken will steam instead of sear, losing those flavorful char marks.
  • Let the chicken rest for a minute after grilling before assembling, it keeps the juices from making the bread soggy.
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