Chicken Pesto Sandwich – I’ll be honest, this Chicken Pesto Sandwich wasn’t some well-thought-out recipe. Nope, it was one of those “What do I even have in the fridge?” kind of moments. I’d just returned from a weekend away and only had a few things in the fridge—some leftover chicken, a jar of pesto (because who doesn’t have a jar of pesto hiding in the fridge?), and a random mix of veggies. I was about to make a boring wrap when I spotted some focaccia I’d forgotten about. Suddenly, the idea hit me: what if I put it all together in a warm, melty sandwich? Ten minutes later, I had this cheesy, crispy masterpiece. If you’ve ever craved something comforting and flavorful without a ton of effort, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe?

This sandwich is like the perfect blend of comfort food and a bistro-style panini. You get that hearty, crunchy focaccia, bright flavors from the basil pesto, and gooey cheese that just makes everything better. Plus, it’s easy! There’s no frying, no elaborate prep—just throw it all together and grill. Perfect for those days when you want something a little more exciting than your usual lunch, but don’t feel like spending all day in the kitchen.

Ingredient Notes:

Every ingredient here plays its part, so let’s break it down:

Focaccia Bread: It’s the perfect base for a sandwich that’s grilled. Soft inside but sturdy enough to hold everything, and let’s be real—it’s focaccia. Instant upgrade.
Basil Pesto: This is the flavor booster! It gives that herby, garlicky kick that makes everything taste like you’re dining in a cozy Italian café.
Diced Cooked Chicken: Leftovers work perfectly, or grab a rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. It makes the sandwich hearty and filling.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a bit of crunch and color, plus a mild sweetness that balances the pesto.
Red Onion: Adds a little bite and sharpness to each bite, which is super satisfying with all that melted cheese.
Monterey Jack Cheese: It’s mild, melts beautifully, and lets the pesto and chicken shine.

How To Make Chicken Pesto Sandwich?

This sandwich is simple but so rewarding. Here’s how to put it together:

Prep the Bread
Preheat your panini grill. Slice each piece of focaccia in half horizontally. Spread a good layer of basil pesto on each half. The pesto not only adds flavor but keeps everything moist and delicious.
Assemble the Sandwich
Place the bottom half of each focaccia piece on a flat surface. Pile on the diced chicken, bell pepper, red onion, and a generous handful of Monterey Jack cheese. Honestly, don’t skimp on the cheese—it’s what makes the sandwich melt-in-your-mouth good. Top it with the other focaccia half.
Grill the Sandwich
Place your sandwiches in the panini grill and close it. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted to perfection. You want that gooey cheese and warm pesto mingling with the chicken and veggies.
Serve
Carefully remove the sandwiches from the grill, slice them in half if you’d like, and enjoy while they’re warm and fresh. There’s something about that first bite—crunchy bread, melted cheese, and the bold taste of pesto—that’s hard to beat.

Storage Options:

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my experience), you can assemble the sandwiches and store them in the fridge ungrilled. Then, just grill them fresh when you’re ready. This keeps the bread from getting soggy and lets you enjoy that crispy crunch when you finally dig in. Just don’t keep them too long—these are best enjoyed fresh!

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Variations and Substitutions:

This Chicken Pesto Sandwich is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to experiment:

Switch Up the Bread: No focaccia? No problem! Ciabatta or even a crusty sourdough works great, just make sure it’s something sturdy.
Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here.
Try Different Cheeses: Mozzarella, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan with the Monterey Jack can change up the flavor.
Add Tomatoes: Fresh tomato slices or sun-dried tomatoes add a nice burst of flavor.
Go Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled zucchini or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian twist that’s still full of flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Pesto Sandwich?

This sandwich is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are some tasty options:

Simple Green Salad: Just toss some greens with a light vinaigrette to balance out the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Tomato Basil Soup: Nothing says “cozy meal” like a grilled sandwich and tomato soup, right?
Sweet Potato Fries: A side of crispy sweet potato fries adds a touch of sweetness that works well with the pesto.
Caprese Salad: Tomato, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic—keeps the Italian flavors going and makes for a fresh side.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best way to reheat this sandwich?
I’d recommend using a panini grill or oven to reheat, so the bread stays crispy. The microwave might make it a bit soggy.

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! Store-bought pesto works perfectly, especially if you’re short on time. Just go for one with quality ingredients to get the best flavor.

And there you have it—a warm, melty Chicken Pesto Sandwich that’s full of flavor and seriously easy to make. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich has you covered. Try it out, and let me know how it goes—especially if you put your own twist on it!

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!