Are you ready to elevate your lunch game with a mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto that will have your taste buds dancing? This Italian-inspired delight is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines juicy grilled chicken, aromatic pesto, and fresh arugula, all nestled between perfectly toasted rolls. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this gourmet sandwich that rivals your favorite café's offering. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into our guide and discover how to create this irresistible dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 4 sandwich rolls
- 1 cup arugula
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F.
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side, ensuring nice grill marks develop.
- Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- While the chicken rests, lightly toast the sandwich rolls on the grill for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto on both inner sides of each toasted roll.
- Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin, diagonal strips.
- Layer the chicken slices on the bottom half of each roll.
- Top the chicken with sliced mozzarella cheese.
- Add a handful of fresh arugula on top of the cheese.
- Close the sandwiches with the top half of the rolls.
- Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately while still warm.
Tips
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts in pesto for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the meat with delicious herbaceous notes.
- Check Your Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to the right temperature (375-400°F) for perfect grill marks and to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Toast the Rolls: Lightly toasting the sandwich rolls not only adds a delightful crunch but also helps prevent them from becoming soggy when you add the pesto and chicken.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your sandwich! Add sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the sandwiches right after assembling them while the chicken is still warm and the cheese is slightly melted.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 562kcal
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 150mg
