Pesto Chicken Sandwich

We are huge sandwich people in my house and we went crazy for these Pesto Chicken Sandwiches! We actually packed these for cold lunches for a day at the zoo and they were the perfect picnic lunch.

Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

This recipe is so simple and it can be made in under 5 minutes. The basics of this recipe can be found at any grocery store. I happened to have some already baked chicken breasts in my fridge so it came together super quick!

• Bread: I used ciabatta rolls from La Brea Bakery. Sourdough would also be great. I recommend using a bread with a stiff crust so that the pesto doesn’t soak through. If you’re serving these sandwiches right away you can use a softer bread.
• Pesto: My favorite store bought pesto is Kirkland brand from Costco. It’s in the refrigerated section near the cheese. It’s got whole ingredients, and it’s thick and fresh. You could definitely opt to make your own as well.
• Chicken: Chicken breasts or chicken thighs work great. Leftover rotisserie chicken would work as well.
• Tomato: For the perfect balance of freshness. Romas or beefsteak tomatoes are best for slicing.
• Cheese: I used a smoked provolone. Mozzarella, or white cheddar would also be good.

Making Pesto Sandwiches

This is a really super simple recipe to make. Slice the bread, spread the pesto, add cheese, tomato, and chicken, and that’s it.

Of course, if you want to add some other flavors to amp it up, you certainly can! I do recommend putting any additional toppings inside 2 pieces of cheese if you’re making this ahead of time- this keeps the sandwich fresh and prevents sogginess. Here’s some suggestions:

• Arugula: I love the spicy peppery taste of arugula on sandwiches! You could even toss it in a little balsamic for a caprese flavored finish.
• Roasted Red Peppers: If you’re going to add one thing to this sandwich, let it be roasted red peppers. The flavor paired with the pesto is phenomenal!
• Pickled Red Onion: This is my mom’s recipe and it is so easy. They add a touch of tang!

I like to wrap my sandwich in parchment paper. It’s a nice way to make it look pretty and keep it fresh. I cut it diagonally and it makes me feel like I work in a deli. A sandwich artist, if you will.

I stuck a fancy toothpick in the top with a sprig of basil and look how pretty it is! The perfect picnic lunch. You could serve this with some Summer orzo salad in a tupperware, alongside some fruit. Really though, this is a pretty hearty sandwich and does just fine on its own. It’s got all the elements- carb, protein, vegetable, and fat.

Another snack on the go that I love (and it tastes just as great cold) is our Chicken Gyoza Cups. They’re heavier on the protein side which is something else I love about them, super filling!

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Cheers! – Kathi and Rachel