Easy Pan Fried Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this sandwich. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you could use turkey cutlets or even grilled veggies for a vegetarian twist.

Olive Oil: I use olive oil for cooking the chicken because it adds great flavor. You can swap it out for avocado oil or butter if you prefer. Each option will give a different taste and richness.

Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness when cooked. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes instead. Just make sure to cook them until they soften!

Basil Pesto: I highly recommend using fresh basil pesto for flavor. If you can’t find it, you can blend fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and nuts (like pine nuts or walnuts) to whip up your own version.

How Can I Cook Chicken So It’s Juicy and Flavored?

Getting juicy chicken is all about proper cooking techniques. Start by flattening the chicken to ensure even cooking; this helps it cook faster and more uniformly. Seasoning is also key; make sure to coat both sides of the chicken generously.

• Heat your skillet to medium-high to get a nice sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary.
• Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—165°F is ideal.
• For extra flavor, cover your skillet while the cheese melts during the last few cooking minutes. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt perfectly!

With these tips, you’re on your way to making a delicious pan-fried chicken pesto sandwich at home! Enjoy!

Easy Pan Fried Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 4-6 fresh basil leaves
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella slices)
• 1/4 cup prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 30-35 minutes to make these scrumptious sandwiches from start to finish!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Start by flattening the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly. You can do this by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they’re about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.

2. Season the Chicken:

Once flattened, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat them well for maximum flavor!

3. Cook the Chicken:

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Use a meat thermometer to check!

4. Sauté the Cherry Tomatoes:

While the chicken is cooking, take a separate pan and toss the cherry tomatoes in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Sauté or roast them for about 4-5 minutes until they are blistered and softened. This adds a delicious sweetness to your sandwich!

5. Melt the Cheese:

During the last 2 minutes of cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each chicken breast and cover the skillet with a lid. This will help the cheese melt beautifully over the chicken.

6. Toast the Buns:

Meanwhile, toast your sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns in a grill pan or toaster until they have nice grill marks and are slightly crisp. Toasting adds texture and flavor!

7. Assemble the Sandwich:

To put it all together, start by spreading a generous layer of basil pesto on the bottom half of each toasted bun. This will be the delicious base for your fillings.

8. Add the Chicken and Toppings:

Place the cheesy chicken breast on top of the pesto. Then, add the blistered cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for that extra burst of flavor.

9. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze:

If you like, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the tomatoes to add a zesty touch.

10. Finish and Serve:

Finish the sandwich by placing the top half of the bun over the fillings. Press gently, and your delicious, easy pan-fried chicken pesto sandwich is ready! Serve warm and enjoy!

This recipe is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Happy cooking!

FAQ for Easy Pan Fried Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Can I Use Bone-In Chicken for This Recipe?

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this sandwich easy and quick, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just be sure to cook it longer, as it will take more time for the bone to cook through. You may also want to shred the chicken after cooking to fit well in the sandwich.

What Can I Substitute for Pesto?

If you don’t have basil pesto or want to try something new, consider using sun-dried tomato pesto or even a creamy avocado spread. You can also make a homemade version by blending fresh herbs with olive oil, garlic, and nuts for a similar flavor.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover sandwich components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken can last for up to 3 days, and the pesto should also be used within that time frame. To enjoy, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet and assemble fresh sandwiches.

Can I Make This Sandwich Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the regular sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns for gluten-free alternatives. Many stores have great gluten-free bread options that hold up well for sandwiches!