Ingredients
Scale
For the grilled chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the pesto:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 2 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sandwich:
- 4 ciabatta rolls or slices of sourdough bread
- 4 slices of mozzarella, provolone, or your preferred cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup arugula or baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally into two thinner pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the chicken with the seasoning mixture on both sides.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan.
- Grill the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Make the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust the consistency with a little more olive oil, if necessary.
- Toast the Bread:
- Slice the ciabatta rolls in half or use sourdough slices.
- Toast the bread lightly on the grill or in a skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread a generous layer of pesto on the bottom slice of each piece of bread.
- Add a grilled chicken piece on top, followed by a slice of cheese.
- Layer with tomato slices and a handful of arugula. Spread mayonnaise on the top bread slice, if desired, and place it on top to complete the sandwich.
- Melt the Cheese (Optional):
- Place the assembled sandwiches back on the grill or in a skillet for 1–2 minutes, covering with a lid, to melt the cheese.
- Serve:
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm with chips, salad, or a bowl of soup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g