This Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto is a gourmet twist on a classic favorite. It features juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemony, garlicky herbs, topped with smoked mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh arugula. All layered on soft rustic bread spread with a bright and flavorful homemade arugula-basil pesto. Perfect for a bistro-style meal at home that’s both fresh and satisfying.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

• 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise (4 cutlets)

• Olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic, pressed

• 4 ounces smoked mozzarella (or plain), sliced or grated

• Soft ciabatta loaf (14-16 oz), cut into 4 pieces (or focaccia, rustic rolls)

• 4 tablespoons julienned sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)

• 1 cup micro arugula or regular arugula leaves

For the Arugula-Basil Pesto:

• 4 ounces fresh basil leaves, stems removed

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

• 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup arugula leaves

• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

1. Marinate chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon zest and juice, and garlic for at least 20 minutes.

2. Optional: blanch basil leaves in boiling water for 5-10 seconds and shock in ice water to preserve color.

3. Prepare pesto by blending pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, 2 tbsp olive oil; then add basil, arugula, and drizzle in remaining olive oil until smooth.

4. Grill chicken cutlets on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest 10 minutes.

5. Preheat broiler. Place grilled chicken on foil-lined baking sheet, top each with mozzarella, broil until cheese melts.

6. Split bread pieces and generously spread pesto on both top and bottom halves. Layer chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula on bottom halves. Top with bread and serve.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: ~688 kcal

• Total Fat: 40-45 g

• Saturated Fat: 8-10 g

• Cholesterol: 110-130 mg

• Carbohydrates: 35-40 g

• Fiber: 3-5 g

• Sugars: 3-5 g

• Protein: 45-50 g

• Sodium: 900-1100 mg

This reflects the richness of the pesto, cheese, and bread combined with lean protein from the chicken.

The Flavorful Marinated Grilled Chicken

At the core of this sandwich is the grilled chicken, which is carefully marinated to infuse it with bold, aromatic flavors. The marinade combines olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and juice, along with salt and pepper, creating a lively, citrusy base that tenderizes and brightens the chicken. The garlic and herbs add a savory depth, while the lemon imparts a fresh tang that makes the meat juicy and flavorful.

Grilling the chicken cutlets over medium-high heat ensures a beautifully charred exterior that locks in moisture. The relatively quick grilling time preserves the tenderness of the chicken, avoiding dryness. Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps redistribute the juices, resulting in a moist and succulent bite in every mouthful.

Smoked Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Perfect Pairing

Once grilled, the chicken is topped with slices of smoked mozzarella, which melts under the broiler to create a luscious, creamy layer. Smoked mozzarella offers a subtle smoky note that complements the herbaceous chicken and adds complexity to the sandwich. For those who prefer a milder taste, plain mozzarella can be used as a substitute without sacrificing the melty texture.

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture, balancing the smoky cheese and citrusy chicken. Their rich umami flavor adds a delightful contrast to the fresh ingredients, elevating the overall taste experience. The tomatoes also bring a burst of color, making the sandwich visually appealing.

The Bright and Herbaceous Arugula-Basil Pesto

The homemade arugula-basil pesto is the sandwich’s flavor powerhouse. Unlike traditional pesto, this version incorporates both basil and peppery arugula, giving it a slightly spicy, green freshness that brightens the entire sandwich. The pesto is made by blending fresh basil and arugula with pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest and juice, and olive oil until smooth and vibrant.

This pesto isn’t just a condiment; it’s an essential layer that ties together the rich cheese, savory chicken, and sweet tomatoes. It adds moisture, herbal brightness, and a bit of nuttiness, making every bite more complex and satisfying. Generously spreading the pesto on both halves of the rustic bread ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.

Rustic Bread: The Ideal Vessel

The sandwich uses soft rustic bread such as ciabatta, focaccia, or rolls, which provides the perfect structure without overwhelming the delicate balance of ingredients. The bread’s chewy crust and airy crumb hold up well against the juicy chicken and creamy cheese while soaking up the flavorful pesto. The slight chewiness also offers a pleasant contrast to the tender fillings.

Using freshly baked or high-quality store-bought bread enhances the overall experience, lending an artisanal feel that elevates this sandwich from simple to gourmet.

Balanced Nutrition for a Hearty Meal

This sandwich packs a nutritional punch with roughly 688 calories per serving, combining rich fats from the pesto, cheese, and olive oil with lean protein from the chicken. The generous protein content of 45-50 grams supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer, making this sandwich suitable as a substantial lunch or dinner.

Though the sandwich contains a moderate amount of saturated fat and sodium due to cheese and cured ingredients, the inclusion of fresh herbs, lemon, and arugula provides antioxidants and fiber, helping balance the meal’s richness. Carbohydrates from the bread offer energy, while the natural sugars in the sun-dried tomatoes add subtle sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

Conclusion

The Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto is an inspired upgrade on a familiar favorite, offering a fresh, flavorful, and filling meal with Mediterranean flair. Marinated grilled chicken layered with smoky mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and peppery arugula creates a satisfying combination of tastes and textures, while the vibrant homemade arugula-basil pesto adds brightness and complexity. Nestled in soft rustic bread, this sandwich is perfect for those seeking a gourmet dining experience at home without the fuss.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a simple yet elegant meal or want a hearty sandwich that balances indulgence with freshness, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s a versatile, flavorful option that transforms everyday ingredients into something special and memorable.