If you’re looking for a lunch that’s super easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for the whole family, you’ve got to try this Chicken Pesto Sandwich! It’s cheesy, crispy, creamy, and packed with fresh veggies. I made it the other day, and my family couldn’t get enough!
Whether you’re whipping this up for a weekend lunch or a quick weekday meal, it’s a winner. Let’s jump right into it!
Method
Toast the Bread
Start by preparing your bread slices two for each sandwich. Take your unsalted butter and spread it generously on only one side of each slice. This will give the sandwich that perfect golden crunch. Warm up a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and place the bread slices butter-side-down onto the pan. Let them toast for about 2–3 minutes or until they turn a lovely golden brown and become crisp. Once they’re toasted to perfection, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. You’ll be using the untoasted side later for all the fillings.
Heat the Chicken Patties
Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another!), add just a small splash of cooking oil enough to lightly coat the bottom. Place your pre-cooked chicken patties in the skillet and heat them up for a few minutes on each side. The goal is to warm them through while giving the outside a slight sear. If your patties are thick, consider slicing them in half so they fit nicely inside your sandwich and are easier to bite into.
Make the Pesto Mayo
While the chicken patties are heating, mix up your creamy, herby spread. In a small mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of basil pesto with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. Stir it together until smooth and well blended. This pesto mayo brings a burst of flavor and ties the sandwich together beautifully.
Build Your Sandwich
Now it’s time for the fun part assembling everything! Take the toasted bread slices and lay them out with the untoasted side facing up. Spread a generous layer of your pesto mayo on both slices.
On one slice, add your sliced chicken patty first. If the patties were thick, they should now be halved and easier to layer. Next, place a slice of white cheddar cheese on top of the warm chicken (this helps the cheese melt a little so good!). Add a few crisp romaine lettuce leaves for crunch.
On the other slice of bread, layer your fresh vegetables: a few slices of red onion, creamy avocado, and juicy tomato slices. This combo adds freshness, texture, and color to the sandwich.
Put It Together & Enjoy
Carefully bring the two halves together to form your sandwich, pressing gently so everything stays in place. Slice the sandwich in half diagonally (because triangles always taste better, right?), and you’re ready to dig in! The result is a crispy, warm, flavor-packed sandwich that’s satisfying and so delicious.
Necessary Tools
- Skillet or frying pan
- Spatula
- Small mixing bowl
- Butter knife or spoon (for spreading)
- Knife and cutting board
Chicken Pesto Sandwich – A Super Easy and Delicious Lunch!
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes10
minutes20
minutesIngredients
4 slices of Italian loaf (or your favorite bread)
2 pre-cooked chicken patties (I used @amylufoods caramelized onion and white cheddar ones!)
Romaine lettuce (as much as you like)
Tomato, sliced
Avocado, sliced
Red onion, sliced
White cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese), sliced
3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 tbsp mayonnaise
Unsalted butter
Cooking oil
Directions
- Toast the Bread
Grab two slices of bread for each sandwich. Butter one side only of each slice. Place them butter-side-down on a skillet and toast over medium heat until golden and crispy – about 2–3 minutes. Then take them off the heat and set them aside. - Heat the Chicken Patties
In the same skillet, add a little oil and warm up your chicken patties. Cook each side for a few minutes until they’re nicely heated. - Make the Pesto Mayo
In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of basil pesto and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise. This sauce is SO good! - Build Your Sandwich
Spread the pesto mayo on the non-toasted side of each slice of bread.
On one slice, add the sliced chicken patty (you can cut it in half to make it fit), cheese, and romaine lettuce.
On the other slice, layer on your red onions, avocado, and tomato slices. - Put It Together & Enjoy
Sandwich the two slices together, slice in half, and you’re ready to munch! Yum!
Notes
- Don’t over-toast the bread, it can get too hard and make it tough to bite into.
- Make sure to only butter one side of the bread, or it’ll get too greasy.
- Don’t skip slicing the chicken patty if it’s too thick, it helps everything fit better in the sandwich.
- Make sure the cheese goes on top of the warm patty so it melts just a little bit yum!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a handful of chips, crunchy veggie sticks, or a small side salad.
- Great with lemonade or iced tea on the side.
- Turn it into a wrap or serve open-faced for a fun twist!
Fun Fact
Did you know that pesto comes from Italy and means “to pound or crush”? It’s usually made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and cheese! It’s been around since ancient Roman times how cool is that?
Conclusion
This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is one of my all-time favorite lunch recipes because it’s easy, tasty, and customizable. You can add or leave out ingredients depending on what you love or have at home. It’s great for kids, adults, picky eaters you name it! Next time you’re not sure what to make for lunch, give this sandwich a try. It might just become your new favorite!
