Chicken Pesto Sandwich With Fresh Homemade Pesto

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is our take on a sandwich we used to get at Cubby’s restaurant in Utah. We first tried this years ago and fell in love with the grilled chicken, crisp bacon and fresh mozzarella cheese, topped with fragrant pesto sauce. Unfortunately, Cubby’s no longer offers this sandwich on their menu and we are so sad! It was so good and we wish they’d bring it back. But until then, we have our version of this pesto chicken sandwich to make at home!

Ingredients in this Chicken Pesto Sandwich

This recipe makes two large sandwiches but you can easily double the ingredients and serve for dinner with a side of pasta salad or potato chips. Here’s what you need:

Boneless skinless chicken breast – one large chicken breast will be enough to two sandwiches. You can also use chicken cutlets (about three per sandwich) Olive Oil – I like using extra virgin olive oil for this recipe. Salt and Pepper – to taste Ciabatta rolls – you can also use sourdough toast, Italian bread, or any bread you have on hand. Pesto – our homemade basil pesto is SO easy to make and much better than anything you’ll find at a grocery store.! Mayonnaise – You’ll only need about half a tablespoon or so to spread on each slice of bread with the pesto sauce. Fresh mozzarella cheese – Mozzarella melts beautifully on this sandwich! You could use provolone cheese too. Bacon – four slices, cooked Fresh Arugula – Arugula offers a spicy kick to the sandwich, and an incredible crunch. Sun-dried tomatoes – optional Parmesan cheese – optional

Homemade Pesto Sauce

Pesto is super easy to make in the food processor and tastes delicious on so many things! Use it on pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, chicken and steak. Try our homemade pesto recipe for this sandwich and then save some for other recipes.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Pesto Sandwich

If you’re making this sandwich during the summer, go ahead and fire up the grill to cook the chicken. You can also use a grill pan on the stove or use an indoor electric grill like a George Foreman or bake it in the oven. Use FRESH mozzarella for this sandwich for optimal melting and flavor. Ciabatta bread tastes delicious, but this would also taste great on our Rosemary Parmesan Focaccia Bread.

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