We may earn a commission when you click on the affiliate links in this post.
This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is our version of our favorite deli’s sandwich. Fresh homemade pesto, bacon, cheese all on a ciabatta roll, you just can’t go wrong!
Table of Contents
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pesto pairs perfectly with mayo or Greek yogurt to make a yummy sandwich spread for this sandwich. You can also use pesto sauce to dip veggies or as a pizza sauce.
Mozzarella is my favorite on this sandwich but you can use white cheddar, parmesan, gouda, or provolone cheese. These mild cheeses go well with the stronger flavors of pesto.
Pesto tastes delicious with grilled steak, pork, and fish. Try meatballs or meatloaf too!
READ NEXT: 35+ Quick and Easy Lunch Ideas
Other Sandwiches You’ll Love
If you love this Chicken Pesto Sandwich, you will really enjoy these other delicious sandwich recipes too!
How to Make a Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Equipment
- Outdoor Grill
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
- olive oil, for drizzling
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 ciabatta rolls
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- ½ tablespoon mayonnaise
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked
- arugula
- sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Cut chicken breast in half and pound it to thin it out. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken until cooked through.
- While chicken is grilling, cut ciabatta rolls in half. Set aside.
- Mix pesto and mayonnaise together and spread evenly over the ciabatta roll halves. Top with fresh mozzarella. On the top rack of the oven, broil on high until the bread is golden brown on the edges and the cheese is slightly melted about 2-3 minutes.
- Add chicken, bacon, arugula, and tomatoes to each sandwich.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- 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 an indoor electric grill like a George Foreman, or you can 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.
This flavor combination is delicious! I have a garden full of basil so made my own pesto to use too!
Oh wow! I was just wondering what to do with all the basil and ciabatta bread I have.. this is going to be out lunch tomorrow.
Great flavor with the pesto! A hearty and delicious sandwich!
This is one of my favourite types of sandwich. So much flavour!
You can’t go wrong with the combo of mayo, cheese, bacon and chicken! So tasty, I want this for lunch right now!
So delicious! Thank you for this amazing recipe!