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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - ½ cup basil pesto - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 4 slices of sourdough bread - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These main ingredients come together to create a tasty sandwich melt. I love using cooked chicken because it is quick and easy. Shredding the chicken helps it mix well with the pesto and other flavors. The basil pesto gives the dish a fresh and vibrant taste. Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy texture and melts beautifully. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy kick. I pick sourdough bread for its crusty texture, which holds up well against the filling. Olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps the bread crisp up when cooking. - Additional cheese varieties - Avocado slices - Spinach or arugula You can customize this sandwich melt with optional ingredients. Adding different cheese can enhance the flavor profile. Avocado slices bring creaminess and healthy fats. Fresh greens like spinach or arugula add a nice crunch and freshness. Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, ½ cup of basil pesto, ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix well until everything is combined. 2. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. This adds flavor to your chicken filling. 1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. 2. Place two slices of sourdough bread in the skillet. 3. Spoon equal amounts of the chicken and pesto mixture onto each slice of bread in the skillet. 4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Then, cover with the other two slices of sourdough bread. 5. Drizzle the top of the sandwiches with the remaining olive oil to help them crisp up. 6. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Then, carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden and the cheese has melted. 1. Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them cool for a minute before slicing. 2. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a bright finish. Serve while warm for the best taste. You can enjoy your Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich Melt with a side salad or some crispy chips for a complete meal. To adjust seasoning, taste your mixture before cooking. Add salt or pepper as needed. You can also try adding garlic powder or red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano add depth too. Simply chop them finely and mix into your chicken blend. For crispy bread, heat your skillet well. Use medium heat and let the bread toast until golden. Drizzle olive oil on the bread to help it crisp. When it comes to cheese, use the right melting technique. Cover the sandwich with a lid while cooking. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly. You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container. This saves time on busy days. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. Wrap the sandwich tightly in foil to keep it fresh. Enjoy your delicious meal later! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella will elevate the flavor of your sandwich, making it more vibrant and delicious. Grill for Extra Crispiness: Consider using a panini press for grilling your sandwiches to achieve a perfectly crispy exterior and evenly melted cheese. Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts to your pesto for added texture and flavor, or even use a store-bought variety for convenience. Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the sandwiches to rest for a minute. This helps the cheese set slightly, making the sandwiches easier to slice and eat. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chicken for different flavors. Grilled chicken adds a smoky touch, while rotisserie chicken offers ease. Both work well in this recipe. For the bread, try using ciabatta or whole wheat. These options give your sandwich a unique taste and texture. Ciabatta’s crust offers a nice crunch, while whole wheat adds a nutty flavor. Want to spice things up? Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the chicken mix. This gives your sandwich a fun kick. You can also explore different pesto flavors. Try sun-dried tomato or roasted red pepper pesto. Each brings its own twist to the sandwich. Looking for vegetarian options? You can replace the chicken with grilled veggies or chickpeas. This makes the sandwich hearty and flavorful. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread. Many brands offer tasty choices that work well for this recipe. Enjoy your Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich Melt in a way that suits your diet! After enjoying your Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich Melt, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place the sandwich in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Consume the leftovers within three days for the best flavor. If you want to freeze the sandwiches, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps to avoid freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you are ready to enjoy your sandwich again, reheating is key. Use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the bread crispy and the cheese melty. If you prefer the microwave, use it for a quick fix. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 30 seconds to 1 minute. However, this may make the bread soft. So, the oven is the better choice. Can I use raw chicken in this recipe? No, using raw chicken is not safe. Always use cooked chicken for this sandwich. It can be shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even leftovers. This makes prep easy and quick. How long can I keep leftovers in the fridge? You can keep leftovers for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container. Just remember, the bread might get a bit soggy. What can I serve with a Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich Melt? This sandwich pairs well with a simple side salad. You can also serve it with crunchy chips or a bowl of soup. How to customize sides based on dietary preferences For a healthier option, choose a green salad with lemon vinaigrette. If you're gluten-free, try veggie sticks with hummus as a side. Can I make this sandwich in an oven or sandwich press? Yes, you can! Use a sandwich press for an even cook and crispy bread. In the oven, bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway. What’s the best cheese for melting? Mozzarella is great for melting, but you can also use provolone or gouda. They all give a nice gooey texture that complements the pesto. This post detailed how to make a Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich Melt. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, step-by-step preparation, cooking tips, and variations to enhance flavor. Remember, you can swap ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs. Keep your leftovers fresh and know the best reheating methods. This sandwich is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Now, get creative in your kitchen and enjoy your tasty creation!

Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich Melt

A delicious sandwich melt featuring shredded chicken, basil pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 4 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Place two slices of sourdough bread in the skillet.
  • Spoon equal amounts of the chicken and pesto mixture onto each slice of bread in the skillet.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture, and then cover with the remaining slices of sourdough bread.
  • Drizzle the top of the sandwiches with the remaining olive oil.
  • Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is also golden and the cheese has melted.
  • Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool for a minute before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve while warm.

Notes

Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Keyword chicken, melt, pesto, sandwich