Mozzarella Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese

Enjoy a mouthwatering grilled cheese sandwich featuring juicy shredded chicken, vibrant pesto, and gooey mozzarella, all pressed to golden perfection for a satisfying, savory meal.

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This American/Italian fusion dish elevates the classic grilled cheese by adding high-quality ingredients like sourdough bread and fresh basil, resulting in a gourmet sandwich experience.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough or Italian bread
• 4 oz (115 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (140 g) cooked, shredded chicken breast
• 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 small tomato, thinly sliced (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1

Lay out the bread slices. Spread 1–1.5 tbsp pesto onto two of the slices.

Step 2

Evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top of the pesto-covered slices.

Step 3

Layer mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Add tomato slices and fresh basil if using. Sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor, if desired.

Step 4

Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.

Step 5

Spread the softened butter on the outsides of each sandwich (both top and bottom).

Step 6

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, pressing them slightly with a spatula. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Step 7

Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then cut in half and serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience when preparing this recipe.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Try ciabatta or multigrain bread for different textures. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini or roasted peppers.

Serviervorschläge

Pair with a crisp Italian white wine or sparkling water with lemon to complement the savory pesto.

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With its golden, buttery crust and savory filling, this Mozzarella Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese is the ultimate satisfying meal for any occasion.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option and works perfectly in this sandwich. Simply shred the meat and use as directed.

→ What bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough and Italian bread are ideal, but you can also try ciabatta or multigrain bread for different textures and flavor profiles.

→ How do I make this vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables such as zucchini, roasted peppers, or eggplant. The pesto, mozzarella, and grilling method remain the same.

→ Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade pesto works wonderfully and adds fresh flavor. If making your own, ensure basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil are well blended to desired consistency.

→ What allergens should I be aware of?

This sandwich contains dairy (mozzarella, butter, Parmesan), wheat/gluten (bread), and potentially tree nuts if pesto contains pine nuts. Always check store-bought pesto labels for allergen information.

→ How long does this take to prepare and cook?

Total time is approximately 20 minutes: 10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking. This includes assembling ingredients and grilling each sandwich for 3-4 minutes per side.