20-Minute Dinners
Chicken Pesto Sandwich
This exquisite Italian-style sandwich is a true culinary lifesaver for busy weeknights, delivering a gourmet experience with zero kitchen fuss. Crispy on the outside and wonderfully airy inside, fresh ciabatta is generously spread with vibrant basil pesto, which contributes a bright herbal punch, sharp parmesan notes, and rich pine nut creaminess. Tender pieces of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken layer in beautifully, supplying a hearty protein base, while fresh salad greens add a refreshing coolness and juicy crunch.
Dishday
Recipe overview
- Total time
- 10 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cooking
- 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- 20-Minute Dinners
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 520 kcal
- Protein
- 34 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Carbs
- 46 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Slice the ciabattas in half horizontally using a long serrate…
Slice the ciabattas in half horizontally using a long serrated bread knife, keeping the cut as even as possible to ensure uniform sauce distribution.
- 02
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and place the ciabatta ha…
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and place the ciabatta halves cut-side down. Toast for 2-3 minutes until a light golden crust forms, sealing the crumb from getting soggy.
- 03
Shred or slice the tender meat of the pre-cooked rotisserie c…
Shred or slice the tender meat of the pre-cooked rotisserie chicken into flat, thin bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones and tough skin.
- 04
Wash the fresh tomatoes thoroughly, pat them dry with a towel…
Wash the fresh tomatoes thoroughly, pat them dry with a towel, and slice them into thin rounds using a sharp knife.
- 05
Spread a generous dollop of classic basil pesto across the to…
Spread a generous dollop of classic basil pesto across the toasted bottom halves of the warm ciabatta, coating the bread from edge to edge.
- 06
Layer the washed and dried salad greens or arugula over the p…
Layer the washed and dried salad greens or arugula over the pesto, then follow with the tomato rounds and a dense layer of the chicken slices.
- 07
Spread the remaining pesto onto the interior of the top bread…
Spread the remaining pesto onto the interior of the top bread halves, close the sandwiches firmly, and press down gently to secure the flavorful layers.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
For an extra decadent touch, lay a couple of thin slices of fresh mozzarella over the warm chicken so it melts slightly from the residual heat.
How to serve
Slice each assembled sandwich diagonally in half before serving — it mimics classic bistro presentation and makes it much neater to eat.
How to store
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh while the bread is perfectly crisp. If packing for later, wrap tightly in parchment paper and keep chilled for up to 12 hours.
Note
You can effortlessly swap out the ciabatta for a crunchy French baguette or rustic whole-grain buns.
