Mozzarella Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Juicy chicken, vibrant pesto, and gooey mozzarella pressed to golden perfection in this satisfying American-Italian fusion sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or Italian bread
02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Protein

04 - 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast

→ Sauces & Spreads

05 - 3 tbsp basil pesto

→ Optional Add-Ins

06 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
08 - Fresh basil leaves

# How To Make It:

01 - Lay out the bread slices and spread 1 to 1.5 tbsp pesto onto two of the slices.
02 - Evenly distribute the shredded chicken breast on top of the pesto-covered bread slices.
03 - Layer mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Add tomato slices and fresh basil if using. Sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor, if desired.
04 - Top with the remaining bread slices to form complete sandwiches.
05 - Spread the softened butter on the outsides of each sandwich, covering both top and bottom surfaces.
06 - 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 to 4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then cut in half and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pesto seeps into the bread edges creating these crispy, herb flecked corners that are honestly the best part
  • It transforms boring leftover chicken into something that feels like a café lunch
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts through
  • Let the sandwiches rest for one full minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly instead of immediately sliding out when you cut them
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because the heat distribution creates the most even golden crust
  • Mayo works instead of butter on the outside if you want an even crispier, more golden finish
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