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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Mains

    Pesto Chicken Sandwich

    Published: May 28, 2015 · Modified: Sep 14, 2021 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 122 Comments

    548 shares
    • 337
    Jump to Recipe
    Pesto chicekn sandwich on a slate surface with a text title overaly.

    This easy Pesto Chicken Sandwich is going to be a lunch time favourite. Ciabatta topped with rocket lettuce, a creamy pesto sauce, mozzarella and grilled chicken breast. Bursting with flavour, lunch time never has to be boring again.

    Two ciabatta rolls filled with chicken, pesto and lettuce.

    We sometimes find ourselves in a bit of a sandwich rut. But move over ham and cheese sandwich, as this pesto chicken sandwich is the new favourite, and so easy to adapt too. You are going to want to put the creamy pesto sauce on everything too.

    Jump to:
    • Why should you try it?
    • What you will need
    • Step by step
    • What bread to use
    • Creamy pesto sauce
    • What chicken to use
    • Extra toppings
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More sandwiches
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why should you try it?

    • Make lunch time more exciting
    • A great way to use up leftover chicken
    • An incredible creamy pesto sauce
    • Easy to adapt

    What you will need

    • Bread - When it comes to sandwiches, there are so many bread choices. We used ciabatta rolls, however you can use your favourite bread. Bagels also work well.
    • Chicken - We used a grilled chicken breast for this, however it is also a great way to use up leftover chicken from our Best Roast Chicken or Slow Cooker Whole Chicken.
    • Pesto - Homemade pesto is always best and we have given the recipe for one below. However, you can use a good quality store bought one if you want to save some time.
    • Yoghurt and mayonnaise- This is what the pesto is mixed in to to make a creamy sauce. We used a 0% fat Greek yoghurt and reduced fat mayo.
    • Lettuce - Sandwiches need some greens and we used rocket lettuce (arugula) because it adds a lovely peppery flavour. You could use romaine instead, which would add a nice crunch.
    • Cheese - We used slices of mozzarella, but you could use a smoked cheddar or even goats cheese.
    • Sun-dried tomatoes - These add a lovely burst of flavour to the sandwiches. You could swap them for fresh beef tomato slices instead.

    Step by step

    One: Mix the pesto with the Greek yogurt and mayo.

    A small bowl of pesto, yogurt and mayonnaise mixed together.
    Two: Spread it on the halved ciabattas.
    Four ciabatta bun halves, two have a pesto sauce spread on them.
    Three: Top with rocket (arugula) lettuce.
    Ciabatta buns topped with pesto sauce and arugula.
    Four: Add the mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes.
    Ciabatta buns topped with arugula, mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes.
    Five: Top with grilled chicken.
    Ciabatta buns topped with arugula, cheese, tomatoes and chicken.

    What bread to use

    Just like any sandwich, the options are almost endless when it comes to what bread to use. We used a ciabatta roll, because we love the chewy texture of it. However, you could use a couple of slices of your favourite loaf, like a sour dough or seeded bread.

    You could even mix thing up and use a toasted bagel or stuff everything in to a pita or wrap.

    Creamy pesto sauce

    You are going to want to put this sauce on everything. It's so simple to make, you will wonder why you haven't been making it forever. Just your favourite pesto, stirred in to some yogurt and mayonnaise for a creamy and herb packed sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken.

    You can use any pesto, even a red pesto if you like, but why not try making our Mixed Herb Pesto. It's a great way to use up a few different leftovers herbs you might have hanging around your fridge.

    A ciabatta bun with chicken, lettuce, tomatoes and pesto sliced in half next to a jar of pesto.

    What chicken to use

    This is a great opportunity to use up leftover chicken. If we have grilled up some chicken breast for a salad or previous sandwich, then we use the leftovers in this. You could just grill it fresh if you didn't have any leftover.

    This is also a great sandwich to make to use up leftover chicken from a roast. Just shred it up and and mix it with the creamy pesto sauce.

    Extra toppings

    There are so many options when it comes to stacking this sandwich. We used sun-dried tomatoes, but you could swap them for olives. We used rocket lettuce for some greens and that delicious peppery taste, however you could use any salad greens.

    Add some fresh tomato and cucumber or even some grilled peppers.

    We used mozzarella in these sandwiches, however you can swap it out for your favourite cheese. A really strong cheddar works well, or some Swiss cheese. Basically, anything that melts well.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How to store pesto chicken sandwiches?

    These sandwiches are best made from fresh and eaten straight away. Any leftovers of the chicken and pesto sauce can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for 2 days.

    What goes well with pesto chicken sandwiches?

    These are pretty filling by themselves, but if you wanted to have some sides then we recommend our Greek Potatoes, Oven Baked Onion Rings, or No Mayo Coleslaw.

    Extra tips

    • You can use a couple of slices of your favourite bread, a roll or a bagel, pita or wrap.
    • If you don't have any leftover grilled chicken, you can grill some fresh or shred up some leftover roast chicken.
    • You can use any pesto in the creamy sauce.
    • Swap the rocket for spinach or your favourite salad greens.
    • You can add fresh tomato and cucumber or some grilled peppers.
    • We used mozzarella, but you could use a strong cheddar or Swiss cheese instead.
    • You could put the sandwich in a panini press after you have made it.

    More sandwiches

    • Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
    • The Ultimate Hummus Sandwich
    • Loaded Tuna Sandwich
    • Leftover Roast Beef Sandwich

    If you’ve tried this or any other recipe on the blog then let us know how you got on in the comments below, we love hearing from you!
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - we love sharing photos when people make our recipes. You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    DON’T FORGET TO RATE THE RECIPE ↓

    Recipe

    Pesto Chicken Sandwich next to a bowl of potato chips

    Pesto Chicken Sandwich

    Pesto and chicken are a delicious combination and this Pesto Chicken Sandwich is super easy to make and perfect for a packed lunch.
    5 from 2 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Lunch
    Cuisine: British, Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    An illustration of two ears of wheat.
    Gluten
    An illustration of a cow's head.
    Meat
    An illustration of a mustard bottle.
    Mustard
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 538kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 2 Ciabattas
    • 200 g Chicken breast - grilled and sliced
    • 2 tablespoon Pesto
    • 2 tablespoon 0% Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
    • 30 g Rocket (arugula)
    • 0.5 ball mozzarella - thinly sliced
    • 4 Sun-dried tomatoes

    Instructions

    • Mix the pesto with the Greek yogurt and mayo.
    • Spread it on the halved ciabattas.
    • Top with rocket lettuce.
    • Add the mozzarella and sun dried tomatoes.
    • Top with grilled chicken.

    Notes

    • You can use a couple of slices of your favourite bread, a roll or a bagel, pita or wrap.
    • If you don't have any leftover grilled chicken, you can grill some fresh or shred up some leftover roast chicken.
    • You can use any pesto in the creamy sauce.
    • Swap the rocket for spinach or your favourite salad greens.
    • You can add fresh tomato and cucumber or some grilled peppers.
    • We used mozzarella, but you could use a strong cheddar or Swiss cheese instead.
    • You could put the sandwich in a panini press after you have made it.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 538kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 993mg | Potassium: 626mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1105IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 350mg | Iron: 1mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kelley @ Chef Savvy

      May 30, 2015 at 10:16 pm

      I love sandwiches for lunch. This sandwich sounds amazing!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:10 pm

        I like to treat myself to a really good sandwich once a week.

        Reply
    2. Kelly - Life Made Sweeter

      May 30, 2015 at 12:05 pm

      Love this lighter sandwich! Love the pesto and roasted vegetables! Sounds like the perfect healthy lunch!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:12 pm

        Pesto and roasted vegetables just go so well together, don't they.

        Reply
    3. Sally - My Custard Pie

      May 30, 2015 at 10:19 am

      I believe strongly that healthy carbs as part of a balanced diet are essential - especially when they look this good.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:13 pm

        I totally agree Sally.

        Reply
    4. Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs

      May 30, 2015 at 9:45 am

      I have a confession. I don't really like sandwiches all that much. Or at least not the soggy, limp kind you find in shops or lunch boxes. This sandwich on the other hand looks delicious! Fab flavour combinations. I think I might want a more substantial slice or two of bread - I can't get enough of the really good stuff!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:14 pm

        I think the reason people think sandwiches are boring is because they can be. But there is no need for them to be.

        Reply
    5. Marcie

      May 30, 2015 at 6:04 am

      Sandwiches are the best when they're interesting, and pesto and roasted vegetables definitely do that! This is my kind of sandwich!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:14 pm

        Pesto is the best way to make any sandwich interesting I think.

        Reply
    6. Kathy @ Olives & Garlic

      May 29, 2015 at 10:01 pm

      Awesome combination of flavors, love the pesto use here.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:15 pm

        Pesto and roasted veggies are just perfect together.

        Reply
    7. Janice

      May 29, 2015 at 9:44 pm

      That looks delicious. Sandwiches are so good when they are made properly with fresh ingredients and good bread.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:16 pm

        I totally agree Janice. It's all about really good quality bread.

        Reply
    8. Krati

      May 29, 2015 at 9:05 pm

      The combinations are lovely, Dannii, will definitely give it a go. :)

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 31, 2015 at 4:16 pm

        Thanks Krati.

        Reply
    9. Mir

      May 29, 2015 at 11:56 am

      It's great of you to clarify some of the facts about carbs. The fact is, they're widely misunderstood and we have really gone too far with the anti-carb attitude. And this sandwich looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 12:11 pm

        I totally agree. It really has gone too far.

        Reply
    10. Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche

      May 29, 2015 at 9:28 am

      I love carbs haha. Definitely think carbs have a place in a balanced diet :)

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:41 am

        I love carbs too. I definitely couldn't give them up.

        Reply
    11. Tina

      May 29, 2015 at 9:02 am

      Well said about the bread. I think low cab diets are just stupid and boring.
      I am going to make his for my husband's lunch next week.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:42 am

        Who wants their diet to be boring, eh?!

        Reply
    12. Katerina

      May 29, 2015 at 7:09 am

      I think all food must be consumed in moderation. I love bread too and I believe that if I eat logically it is perfectly fine! I wish i had one such sandwich with me at work!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:42 am

        Exactly, just don't overdo it - like all things.

        Reply
    13. GiGi Eats

      May 29, 2015 at 6:58 am

      I used to ADORE pesto! Mmmm Turkey and Pesto was my JAM! So I would totally adore this. But nuts are a no-go for me anymore. In fact I am dealing with a terrible hive reaction right now from them :(

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:43 am

        Oh no! Sorry to hear that :( I shall make sure I eat enough pesto for the both of us ;)

        Reply
    14. Joanne T Ferguson

      May 29, 2015 at 5:54 am

      I love chicken and pesto combinations! Your recipe looks and sounds delicious!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:43 am

        They go really well together, don't they.

        Reply
    15. Healing Tomato

      May 29, 2015 at 5:25 am

      I love pesto sandwich recipes. Great idea.

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:43 am

        I am going to make a pesto and halloumi sandwich next I think.

        Reply
    16. Izzy

      May 29, 2015 at 3:18 am

      Yah for pesto!! Pesto on sandwiches is the best! I've just started eating more sandwiches for lunch and I love them because they re so filling but still kinda light so I don't want to take a nap immediately after! These look great :)

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:44 am

        Haha, although I do like a post lunch nap.

        Reply
    17. Linda (Meal Planning Maven)

      May 29, 2015 at 2:49 am

      What a fun and yummy sandwich combo.. These would be the perfect choice to enjoy on one of our many hot Florida summer nights!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:45 am

        Send some hot weather our way please :)

        Reply
    18. Mary

      May 29, 2015 at 1:26 am

      Your photography make me want to right in and grab a sandwich. They look delicious, everything I love on a sandwich!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:45 am

        Wouldn't that be cool if we could reach in to the screen on food blogs?

        Reply
    19. Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com

      May 28, 2015 at 10:21 pm

      Uh, Yes! I would be thrilled to have a lunch like this at work! Yummy!

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:47 am

        My husband was pretty pleased with it.

        Reply
    20. Annie @ The Garlic Diaries

      May 28, 2015 at 9:56 pm

      Yum! I love sandwiches. This one looks fresh and delicious! I absolutely love using arugula in anything and everything :).

      Reply
      • Dannii

        May 29, 2015 at 9:47 am

        Or rocket as we call it ;)

        Reply
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    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

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