Go Back
–+ servings
Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Experience the Ultimate Grilled Chicken Pesto Sandwich, a delicious blend of grilled chicken, pesto aioli, and fresh toppings that everyone will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Lunch Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts small/medium
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari or coconut aminos
  • 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, minced
Sandwich Assembly
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 pieces focaccia buns
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1 each avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup quick pickled onions
  • 1/4 cup pesto, store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tablespoons pesto, store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Grill
  • mixing bowl
  • Silicone Bag or Glass Container

Method
 

Marinating Chicken
  1. Place chicken breasts in a reusable silicone bag or glass container. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, garlic, kosher salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Pour marinade over the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or overnight).
Prepare Pesto Aioli
  1. In a small bowl, combine the Pesto Aioli ingredients. Cover and place in the refrigerator until ready. Prep the quick pickled onions and set aside until ready to use.
Grilling Chicken
  1. Heat grill to medium-high heat (approximately 450 degrees F). Place chicken on direct heat and cook for 3-5 minutes per side. Move chicken away from direct heat and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reads 157 degrees F.
  2. Add cheese slices and close grill to allow cheese to melt. Remove from grill when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F and let rest for at least 5 minutes.
Assemble Sandwich
  1. (Optional) Toast the focaccia buns cut side down for a minute or two. Place the bottom bun on a plate followed by some arugula, a healthy amount of Pesto Aioli, grilled chicken, avocado slices, pickled onions, and then add more Pesto Aioli to the cut-side of the top bun and place on top. Cut in half and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1250mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses or add roasted red peppers for extra flavor. Fresh herbs can also elevate your sandwich.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!