Ciabatta Chicken Pesto Sandwich (25-Minutes)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ciabatta Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a quick and flavorful meal that brings together juicy grilled chicken, vibrant basil pesto, fresh tomatoes, and melty mozzarella—all tucked inside a crusty ciabatta roll. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, lunches, or casual gatherings. Each bite delivers a satisfying balance of herby richness, creamy cheese, and savory chicken.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ciabatta rollsgrilled chicken breast (sliced or whole)basil pestofresh mozzarella (sliced)tomatospinach or arugulaolive oilgarlic powdersalt and pepper

directions

Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.

Slice the ciabatta rolls in half and lightly toast them if desired.

Brush chicken breast with olive oil, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then grill or sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked.

Spread a generous layer of pesto on the bottom half of each ciabatta roll.

Place grilled chicken on top, followed by mozzarella slices and tomato.

Add a handful of spinach or arugula, then cover with the top half of the roll.

If desired, press the sandwich in a panini press or skillet for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the bread.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 2 sandwiches.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10-12 minutesAssembly time: 3 minutesTotal time: 23-25 minutes

Variations

Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor.

Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for sweetness and tang.

Use sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.

Add roasted red peppers or avocado slices for extra texture.

Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 days.For best results, reheat in a panini press or skillet to retain crispness.Microwaving is not recommended, as it may make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works great and saves time. Just choose a good-quality brand.

Is ciabatta the best bread for this sandwich?

Ciabatta is ideal for its structure and crunch, but focaccia or sourdough are good alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but assemble and heat just before serving for best texture.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.

What pairs well with this sandwich?

Serve with a side salad, chips, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I freeze the sandwich?

It’s not recommended to freeze the fully assembled sandwich due to texture changes, but grilled chicken can be frozen separately.

Is this sandwich healthy?

It’s balanced and can be made lighter by using low-fat cheese or whole wheat ciabatta.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, just go light on the pesto or customize ingredients for their taste.

Can I grill the whole sandwich?

Yes, using a panini press or grill will melt the cheese and crisp the bread beautifully.

Conclusion

The Ciabatta Chicken Pesto Sandwich is a delicious and quick option packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s versatile, customizable, and sure to become a go-to favorite for anyone looking to upgrade their sandwich game in under 30 minutes.

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