Description
This Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe combines tender shredded chicken with flavorful basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, and sun dried tomatoes, all sandwiched between thick slices of buttery toasted bread. Perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner, this sandwich is crispy on the outside with a melty, savory filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 large thick slices of bread
- 1.5 cups / 150g / 5oz shredded cooked chicken
- 1/3 cup – 1/2 cup (80-120g) basil pesto
- 5oz / 150g fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced and patted dry
- 8 sun dried tomatoes, patted dry
- Butter, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and the basil pesto thoroughly. Set this mixture aside.
- Butter the Bread: Place two slices of bread in a cold pan with the heat OFF. Spread butter evenly on the exposed sides. Then, flip the bread so that both buttered sides are against the pan.
- Assemble Sandwich: On top of one bread slice in the pan, layer half the mozzarella slices, followed by the chicken pesto mixture, then the sun dried tomatoes, and the remaining mozzarella. Top with the second slice of bread and spread butter on its top side.
- Cook Sandwich: Turn the heat on to low-medium and fry each side of the sandwich until the bread is golden, crispy, and the mozzarella is melted, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove from the pan, slice the sandwich in half, and enjoy your warm, cheesy chicken pesto grilled cheese.
Notes
- Use large thick slices of bread for a hearty sandwich; smaller slices will require adjusting the filling quantities accordingly.
- For best flavor, use refrigerated basil pesto instead of jarred pesto.
- If using fresh mozzarella packed in brine, be sure to remove excess moisture to avoid sogginess.
- Pat dry sun dried tomatoes that have been marinated in oil to reduce excess grease while retaining flavor; avoid washing them.
- Butter the bread before cooking for a golden crispy crust and richer taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
