Pesto Chicken Sandwich on Sourdough Recipe
Inspired by my favorite spot, South Coast Deli, my Pesto Chicken Sandwich on Sourdough brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken and ooey-gooey mozzarella, all slathered in vibrant, fresh basil pesto. With crispy, golden slices of sourdough, every bite is a delicious mix of flavors and textures that makes this sandwich oh so good!
Let’s dive into how to create this deliciousness at home!
What Makes This Sandwich So Special?
This pesto chicken sandwich is inspired by my favorite sandwich shop, South Coast Deli, in my hometown. Every time I return to Santa Barbara, I can't resist stopping by for their mouthwatering pesto chicken sandwich that makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
I love how this recipe brings all the flavors together. The chicken breasts are marinated in olive oil, garlic powder, and a few simple spices, making them so juicy and flavorful. The creamy mozzarella and fresh, tangy tomatoes complement the chicken perfectly, and the vibrant pesto adds a fresh, herby touch that ties everything together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
2 medium-sized skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon salt
Fresh lemon juice (optional)
For the Sandwich
2 fresh mozzarella cheese balls, sliced
4 tablespoons of homemade basil pesto or store-bought pesto
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
4 slices of sourdough bread
How to Make Pesto Chicken Sandwich on Sourdough
1. Pound the chicken breasts until they’re about 1/2 inch thick to help them cook evenly and remain juicy.
2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over both sides of the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
4. Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
5. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for about 18 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you don’t have an air fryer, use a grill pan, skillet, or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly. Drizzle with lemon juice if you like.
7. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of sourdough.
8. On two of the slices (the ones without mayo), spread 1 tablespoon of homemade pesto.
9. Layer the sliced chicken, fresh mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes on top of the pesto.
10. Place the other slice of bread on top, with the mayo side facing out.
11. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
12. Carefully place the sandwiches in the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts.
13. Once cooked, slice the sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious pesto chicken sandwich!
How to Make Homemade Pesto
If you want to take your sandwich to the next level, consider making your own pesto. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
Toast the walnuts in a skillet over medium heat for about three to four minutes, or until fragrant.
Add all the ingredients, including the toasted walnuts, to a food processor or high-powered blender.
Blend for 20 to 30 seconds.
Add 2 tablespoons of water (or more, as needed) until you achieve your desired consistency.
Be sure to taste your pesto to see if it needs any additional seasoning!
Storage:
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Notes:
If you’re dairy-free, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
Alternatively, you can replace Parmesan with asiago or pecorino Romano cheese.
While I prefer using fresh garlic, using pre-minced garlic or garlic powder is also perfectly fine!
Jazz’s Tips!
Give your chicken some space: If your air fryer is on the smaller side, don’t overcrowd it. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and that perfect golden finish.
Check your chicken temperature! Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken hits 165°F in the thickest part.
Press the sandwich for a crunch! While grilling, gently press down with a spatula to achieve that crispy exterior while allowing the cheese to melt perfectly.
Let the chicken rest before slicing! After air frying, allow the chicken to sit for a few minutes. This resting period helps retain the delicious juices, making your sandwich even juicier!
Don’t rush the process! Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts. If it’s browning too fast, just lower the heat a bit and give it some time to crisp up nicely.
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken: Substitute with turkey breast.
Cheese Options: You can swap the cheese for provolone, which is a mild and creamy cheese that melts well; cheddar for a sharper flavor; goat cheese for a tangy and creamy texture; or vegan cheese if you're looking for a dairy-free option.
Spread Alternatives: Replace pesto with hummus.
Bread Choices: Use any bread, such as whole grain, gluten-free, ciabatta, or focaccia.
Vegetable Alternatives: Swap tomatoes for roasted red peppers, avocado, or cucumbers.
Spread: Replace mayonnaise with butter.
Jazz’s Recommended Products:
Ninja Dual Air Fryer: I love this air fryer because it lets me cook two different things at once. The dual baskets are a game-changer for quick meals, and it’s perfect for everything from air frying to roasting.
Mini Always Pan 2.0: This mini version of the Always Pan is my go-to for small meals and sides. It’s non-stick, easy to clean, and does it all—from frying to steaming in one compact pan.
Side Dishes to Pair with Your Sandwich
Pairing your Pesto Chicken Sandwich with the best side dishes can elevate the meal and perfectly complement this delicious main dish. Here are some great options that enhance its savory flavors:
Refreshing Salads: A fruit salad adds refreshing sweetness, ideal for warmer months. You can also enjoy a green salad or cucumber salad with cherry tomatoes and leafy greens for a light and refreshing option; drizzle with a creamy dressing for extra flavor. For something heartier, pasta salad is an excellent choice—try tossing in fresh corn or sunflower seeds for delightful texture, or opt for a classic macaroni salad.
Classic Comfort Foods: For a heartier option, crispy fried chicken, french fries, onion rings, or sweet potato fries make excellent classic sides that pair perfectly with your hot sandwiches. The sweet potato fries provide a crispy, sweet contrast, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
Creamy Coleslaw: A side of creamy coleslaw adds crunch and tang, enhancing the richness of your sandwich with collard greens or leafy greens.
Potato Chips: Potato chips or garlic fries are easy sides that add a satisfying crunch.
Iced Tea: Pair your meal with iced tea for a classic beverage that complements the flavors of your chicken sandwich.
FAQs
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Absolutely! Feel free to swap the mozzarella for provolone, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
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No problem! You can cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven.
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Yes, prepare the chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can assemble the sandwich, then once you are ready to serve, pop it onto the pan to heat and crisp!
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Store leftover components separately in airtight containers. Heat up the leftovers in either the air fryer at 350 for 3 minutes, or on the stovetop for 2 minutes each side!
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Yes, ciabatta rolls are a great alternative! Using a toasted ciabatta roll will give you a crispy exterior and a soft interior, making it the perfect sandwich bread.
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Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it into thin slices and layer it with the pesto and other ingredients. It’s an easy lunch option when you're in a pinch.
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If you have leftover pesto, it’s perfect for tossing with pasta, spreading on ciabatta bread, or using as a dip for veggies. It’s a great way to add extra flavor to other meals.
I hope you give this Chicken Pesto Sandwich recipe a try! It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Pair it with some healthy sides like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. I hope this sandwich is soon to become to become your new go-to meal!
Pesto Chicken Sandwich on Sourdough Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 2 fresh mozzarella cheese balls, sliced
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 slices sourdough bread
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts until they’re about 1/2 inch thick.
- Mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
- Rub this mixture all over both sides of the chicken.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Air fry the chicken for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly. Drizzle with lemon juice if you like.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of sourdough.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on two of the slices (on the side without mayo).
- Add the sliced chicken, mozzarella, and tomato on top of the pesto slices.
- Place the other slice of bread on top (mayo side facing out).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the pan, with the mayo side facing down.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice the sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious pesto chicken sandwich!
