Easy Lunch Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Name: Easy Lunch Chicken Pesto Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients: 2 ciabatta rolls; 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded; 1/4 cup pesto; 1/2 cup fresh spinach; 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes; 2 slices of mozzarella cheese; Olive oil for grilling

Highlighted under: Simple Meals

I absolutely love how simple and delicious this Easy Lunch Chicken Pesto Sandwich is! When I want a quick and flavorful meal, this is my go-to recipe. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant pesto, and fresh veggies packed between crusty bread makes for a satisfying lunch. Plus, it’s so quick to assemble, making it perfect for busy weekdays. I often find myself making this for picnics too, as it travels well and can be enjoyed cold or warm. Give it a try and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-02-28T09:17:34.949Z

Creating this Easy Lunch Chicken Pesto Sandwich was a delightful experience. I experimented with different types of bread and settled on a crusty ciabatta which adds a nice texture. The key to perfecting this sandwich lies in using fresh pesto; I usually make my own with basil, pine nuts, and a touch of garlic. It elevates the flavor significantly compared to store-bought versions.

I've found that toasting the sandwich in a pan gives it an irresistible crunch while keeping the chicken moist. This is one of those recipes that’s flexible too—feel free to add any leftover veggies or cheeses you have in your fridge. It's a fantastic way to reduce waste and create a meal that's uniquely yours!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh and vibrant flavors that awaken your taste buds
Quick and easy assembly for a stress-free lunch
Versatile and customizable to suit your personal tastes

Perfecting Your Pesto Mix

When preparing the chicken and pesto mixture, consider using a homemade basil pesto for a fresher and more vibrant flavor. Store-bought versions can be convenient, but they often lack the punch of fresh ingredients. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can make your pesto with sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether. A little lemon juice can also be added to enhance the brightness of the dish.

Be mindful of the pesto-to-chicken ratio; too much pesto can overwhelm the chicken, while too little can make the sandwich dry. Aim for a balance where the chicken is coated without being drenched. Use a fork or your hands to mix the chicken and pesto gently for an even distribution. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor throughout the sandwich.

Grilling Technique for Perfect Texture

Grilling the sandwich properly can elevate your lunch from good to exceptional. Preheat your skillet to medium heat to ensure the bread gets that ideal crispy texture without burning. If you find the outside browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly. You want to achieve golden edges and melted cheese, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes per side. Use a spatula to press down gently on the sandwich while grilling to create even contact for better heat distribution.

If you notice that your cheese isn't melting quickly enough, you can place a lid over the skillet during the last minute of cooking. This trapped heat will expedite the melting process. Keep an eye on the sandwich during this step to avoid overcooking. The ideal outcome is a toasted, crispy exterior with gooey, melted mozzarella inside.

Ingredients for Easy Lunch Chicken Pesto Sandwich

For the Sandwich

2 ciabatta rolls
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup pesto
1/2 cup fresh spinach
1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
2 slices of mozzarella cheese
Olive oil for grilling

Prepare Your Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Pesto

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with pesto until well coated. You can adjust the amount of pesto based on your taste preference.

Assemble the Sandwich

Take one ciabatta roll and layer it with the pesto chicken mixture, spinach, sliced tomatoes, and finish with a slice of mozzarella. Top it with the other ciabatta roll.

Grill the Sandwich

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve your delicious Chicken Pesto Sandwich warm!

Enjoy Your Meal

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your sandwich by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch! You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. If you're aiming for a lighter version, swap out ciabatta rolls for whole-grain bread or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Additionally, feel free to substitute the cooked chicken with turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Adjust the toppings based on the season, adding arugula instead of spinach, or using roasted red peppers for added sweetness.

If you want to mix things up, consider adding a layer of avocado or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor dimensions. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese, to further customize your sandwich. These variations can make a regular lunch feel special without significant additional effort.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're looking to prepare this sandwich in advance, consider assembling the ingredients but keeping the bread separate until right before serving. This way, the bread won't become soggy. You can store the pesto chicken mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy, simply assemble and grill as directed.

For freezing, it’s best to keep the components separate. Freeze the pesto chicken mixture in portioned bags, and when you're ready to use it, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures that all the flavors maintain their integrity. To reheat, you can microwave the chicken slightly before assembling the sandwich, providing an even warmness throughout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! Any sturdy bread such as sourdough or whole wheat will work well.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Wrap the sandwich tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when ready to eat.

→ Is this sandwich suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pesto in advance and assemble the sandwich just before eating it.

→ Can I add more cheese?

Definitely! You can use any cheese of your choice to add even more flavor to your sandwich.