Mouthwatering Chicken Pesto Sandwich You'll Crave Daily
This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a flavorful twist on a classic. Fresh basil pesto, shredded chicken, and gourmet ingredients create a delightful meal.
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Servings: 4 sandwiches
Calories: 450kcal
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Pesto
- 2 cups shredded chicken breast rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience
- 1 cup basil leaves fresh
- 3 cloves garlic or more for extra flavor
- ⅓ cup pine nuts can substitute with walnuts
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese fresh grated is best
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked is best
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin preferred
For the Sandwich
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced
- 2 cups arugula leaves or substitute with spinach or mixed greens
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced, heirloom for sweetness
- 1 large baguette can substitute with ciabatta or whole grain bread
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Pesto Sandwich
- In a food processor or blender, combine 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 3 cloves of garlic, ⅓ cup of pine nuts, and ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of Kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Pulse until well combined, about 30 seconds.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in ½ cup of high-quality olive oil to create a smooth pesto. This should take about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- In a medium bowl, add 2 cups of shredded chicken breast. Mix in the freshly made basil pesto and a spoonful of Greek yogurt. Gently fold until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if toasting the baguette. Slice the baguette lengthwise and arrange on a baking sheet. Toast for about 5-7 minutes until golden.
- Layer the bottom half of each toasted baguette with arugula leaves, followed by slices of fresh tomatoes and rounds of mozzarella cheese.
- Scoop a generous amount of the chicken pesto mixture onto each sandwich. Place the toasted tops back onto the baguette to enclose the layers.
- Slice the sandwiches in half for easy handling, and serve immediately while the flavors are fresh.
Notes
Using fresh ingredients like basil and ripe tomatoes enhances the flavor. Toasting adds texture to the baguette.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 10mg