This easy Pesto Chicken Sandwich is going to be a lunchtime favourite. Ciabatta topped with rocket lettuce, a creamy pesto sauce, mozzarella and grilled chicken breast. Bursting with flavour, lunch never has to be boring again. A chicken pesto sandwich is also great for packing up and taking to work.
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.
If you are looking for more ways to use pesto, why not try our quick Pesto Tortellini, simple Chicken Pesto Burgers, our easy Pesto Salmon or our delicious Pesto Chicken Pasta?
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Why you will love it
- Make lunch time more exciting - In a lunch time rut? This pesto sandwich is going to bring you right out of it.
- A great way to use up leftover chicken - You can grill up a chicken breast for this, or you can use up leftovers from a roast chicken.
- An incredible creamy pesto sauce - You are going to want to put this sauce on everything.
- Easy to adapt - Like any sandwich, this is easy to adapt with your favourite sandwich fillings.
Ingredients needed
- Bread - When it comes to sandwiches, there are so many bread choices. We used ciabatta rolls, but bagels also work well. 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 stuff everything into a pita or wrap.
- Chicken - We used a grilled chicken breast for this, however it is also a great way to use up leftover chicken from our Slow Cooked Chicken Breast, Best Roast Chicken or Slow Cooker Whole Chicken. Have an air fryer? Use our Air Fryer Chicken Breast.
- 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.
- Yogurt and mayonnaise - This is what the pesto is mixed into 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.
A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
How to make pesto chicken sandwich - Step by step
One: Mix the pesto with the Greek yogurt and mayo.
Two: Spread it on the halved ciabattas.
Three: Top with rocket (arugula) lettuce.
Four: Add the mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes.
Five: Top with grilled chicken.
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 into 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 or Carrot Top Pesto? It's a great way to use up a few different leftovers herbs you might have hanging around your fridge.
Variations
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
More sandwich recipes
If you’ve tried this pesto chicken sandwich recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 Ciabattas
- 200 g (7 oz) Chicken breast - grilled and sliced
- 2 tablespoon Pesto
- 2 tablespoon 0% Fat Free Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 30 g (1.5 cups) Rocket (arugula)
- 0.5 ball Mozzarella - thinly sliced
- 4 Sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Mix 2 tablespoon Pesto with 2 tablespoon 0% Fat Free Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoon Mayonnaise.
- Spread it on two halves of 2 Ciabattas.
- Top with 30 g Rocket (arugula).
- Add 0.5 ball Mozzarella (sliced) and 4 Sun-dried tomatoes.
- Top with 200 g Chicken breast.
Recipe 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.
Nutritional Information
The 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.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Kelley @ Chef Savvy says
I love sandwiches for lunch. This sandwich sounds amazing!
Dannii says
I like to treat myself to a really good sandwich once a week.
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Love this lighter sandwich! Love the pesto and roasted vegetables! Sounds like the perfect healthy lunch!
Dannii says
Pesto and roasted vegetables just go so well together, don't they.
Sally - My Custard Pie says
I believe strongly that healthy carbs as part of a balanced diet are essential - especially when they look this good.
Dannii says
I totally agree Sally.
Emma @ Supper in the Suburbs says
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!
Dannii says
I think the reason people think sandwiches are boring is because they can be. But there is no need for them to be.
Marcie says
Sandwiches are the best when they're interesting, and pesto and roasted vegetables definitely do that! This is my kind of sandwich!
Dannii says
Pesto is the best way to make any sandwich interesting I think.
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Awesome combination of flavors, love the pesto use here.
Dannii says
Pesto and roasted veggies are just perfect together.
Janice says
That looks delicious. Sandwiches are so good when they are made properly with fresh ingredients and good bread.
Dannii says
I totally agree Janice. It's all about really good quality bread.
Krati says
The combinations are lovely, Dannii, will definitely give it a go. :)
Dannii says
Thanks Krati.
Mir says
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!
Dannii says
I totally agree. It really has gone too far.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
I love carbs haha. Definitely think carbs have a place in a balanced diet :)
Dannii says
I love carbs too. I definitely couldn't give them up.
Tina says
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.
Dannii says
Who wants their diet to be boring, eh?!
Katerina says
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!
Dannii says
Exactly, just don't overdo it - like all things.
GiGi Eats says
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 :(
Dannii says
Oh no! Sorry to hear that :( I shall make sure I eat enough pesto for the both of us ;)
Joanne T Ferguson says
I love chicken and pesto combinations! Your recipe looks and sounds delicious!
Dannii says
They go really well together, don't they.
Healing Tomato says
I love pesto sandwich recipes. Great idea.
Dannii says
I am going to make a pesto and halloumi sandwich next I think.