Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches as much as I do, you’re going to absolutely adore this Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe. It’s like the classic comfort food got a fancy upgrade—with juicy shredded chicken, vibrant basil pesto, melty fresh mozzarella, and those sweet, slightly tangy sun-dried tomatoes all packed between thick slices of crispy, buttery bread. Every bite feels like a little celebration in your mouth!
What I really love about this Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is how perfect it is for that moment when you want something hearty but also fresh and flavorful. It’s great for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a game day snack that feels a bit more special. Plus, it’s so easy to make, and trust me, the combination of ingredients means you’re getting a ton of flavor without needing a long list of steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together to bring a lovely balance of textures and flavors—creamy, tangy, savory, and just a touch sweet. When you shop, aim for good quality pesto and fresh mozzarella; they really make a difference here.
- Bread: Go for thick slices that can hold up to all those fillings without getting soggy. Sourdough or country-style bread works wonders.
- Shredded Cooked Chicken: Leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. It adds protein and heartiness without extra fuss.
- Basil Pesto: Use store-bought or homemade pesto—whatever you have on hand. This is the flavor superstar of the sandwich!
- Fresh Mozzarella: Thinly slice and pat dry to keep the sandwich from becoming watery. The gooey melt is worth the prep.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a sweet tang and a chewy bite. Make sure to pat off excess oil to keep things balanced.
- Butter: Essential for that golden, crispy crust. Don’t skimp here—your bread deserves to sizzle in a good coating of butter.
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to your taste. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add extras to make it your own—this sandwich is as flexible as it is delicious.
- Variation: I sometimes swap shredded chicken for turkey when I want a slightly different flavor—it still works beautifully with the pesto and cheese.
- Vegetarian Version: Leave out the chicken and double up on the sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella for a super satisfying meat-free option.
- Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes or a smear of spicy mayo for an extra kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Seasonal Greens: Throw in some fresh spinach or arugula right before assembling for a peppery crunch and a pop of color.
How to Make Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by patting dry your mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes—that little extra attention keeps your sandwich from turning soggy. Also, have your shredded chicken and pesto ready to go; if your chicken is cold from the fridge, I like to give it just a quick warm-up so it blends well with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread a generous layer of basil pesto on one side of each bread slice. On two slices, layer the shredded chicken, mozzarella slices, and sun-dried tomatoes, then top with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down. Don’t be shy with the filling—it’s a mega sandwich after all!
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a good pat of butter. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and grill slowly, pressing down lightly with a spatula, for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts beautifully. Taking your time here means you get that perfect crispy crust without burning the bread.
How to Serve Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
I love a sprinkle of fresh basil or a little cracked black pepper right before serving—it adds a fresh brightness that complements the rich pesto and cheese. Sometimes a tiny drizzle of balsamic glaze gives a sweet tang that’s just delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair this sandwich with a crisp green salad or some homemade tomato soup for a classic combo. If you’re feeling indulgent, sweet potato fries or crispy kale chips are fantastic sides that bring a little extra crunch and flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist when hosting, I like cutting the Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich into smaller squares and serving with toothpicks—makes it perfect for parties or casual gatherings. You can also serve with little ramekins of extra pesto or dipping sauces for guests to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is pretty rare in my house!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge. They usually keep well for up to two days—just expect the bread won’t be quite as crispy when stored.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these sandwiches wrapped well in foil and a freezer bag, though I recommend freezing before grilling. Then you can thaw and grill fresh for best texture. Freezing after grilling works too but the bread tends to lose some crunch.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to revive that golden crust and melt the cheese again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sandwich from getting soggy. A toaster oven works great for this too!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of cheese in this Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that pairs well with pesto, you can try provolone, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar if you want a stronger taste. Just keep in mind the melting properties—some cheeses may not melt as smoothly as mozzarella.
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Is it okay to use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly here and saves time. Look for a high-quality jar with fresh basil and good olive oil. If you have time, homemade pesto can add even more vibrant flavor, but either way you’re going to love the results.
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How do I prevent the sandwich from getting soggy?
Great question! Patting dry the mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes before assembling is key. Also, grilling the sandwich slowly at medium-low heat helps evaporate moisture and crisps the bread perfectly without sogginess.
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Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free bread with a sturdy texture to hold all the fillings. Many gluten-free breads grill well if you handle them gently and keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Mega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a small luxury, but is totally doable any night of the week. I love how the fresh pesto and sun-dried tomatoes brighten things up, while the chicken and cheese bring in that satisfying comfort. Trust me, once you try making this at home, it’ll become your go-to for a quick, delicious, and mega satisfying sandwich—you’ll want to share it with all your friends too!
PrintMega Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
A mouthwatering MEGA Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich that combines tender shredded chicken, fresh basil pesto, melty mozzarella, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. Perfectly toasted in buttered bread slices to golden perfection for a satisfying, savory meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bread
- 4 large thick slices of Bread (choose a sturdy, crusty bread like sourdough or ciabatta)
Filling
- 1.5 cups / 150g / 5oz Shredded Cooked Chicken
- 1/3 cup – 1/2 cup (80-120g) Basil Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 5oz / 150g ball of Fresh Mozzarella, thinly sliced and patted dry
- 8 Sun Dried Tomatoes, patted dry to remove excess oil
For Cooking
- Butter, as needed for spreading on bread slices
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the basil pesto until the chicken is evenly coated. This will infuse the chicken with vibrant herbaceous flavor.
- Assemble the sandwich: Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Butter one side of each slice generously. On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the pesto chicken mixture evenly, then add the thinly sliced fresh mozzarella, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes. Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Cook the sandwich: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and grill for about 4-5 minutes on one side, or until the bread turns golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes, pressing gently to help meld the cheese and fillings together.
- Serve: Once both sides are golden and the mozzarella is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute before slicing in half to retain the filling. Serve warm and enjoy your mega chicken pesto grilled cheese!
Notes
- Use thick slices of sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta for best results and to hold the fillings well.
- Patting the mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes dry helps prevent a soggy sandwich.
- Adjust the amount of pesto depending on how intense you prefer the basil flavor.
- Using cooked shredded chicken allows quick assembly, perfect for a hearty sandwich.
- Butter the bread evenly and monitor cooking temperature to achieve a golden crust without burning.
Keywords: Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Sandwich, Pesto Sandwich, Mozzarella Sandwich
