Pin it The idea came to me during a particularly chaotic Tuesday when I had leftover rotisserie chicken staring back from the fridge and a craving for something comforting but not ordinary. I slapped some pesto on sourdough, added what I had on hand, and what emerged from my skillet was something that made my whole apartment smell like an Italian grandmother had moved in.
My roommate walked in mid-cooking and literally stopped in her tracks, asking what that incredible smell was. We ended up eating them standing at the counter, too impatient to even bother setting the table, while planning all the other variations we wanted to try.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Sourdough or Italian bread: The sturdy structure holds up beautifully to the hearty fillings without getting soggy
- Fresh mozzarella: Slice it yourself for the best melting behavior, pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent that perfect cheese pull
- Unsalted butter: Softening it first makes spreading so much easier and ensures even browning
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken is absolutely fine here, nobody will know the difference
- Basil pesto: Homemade is lovely but a good quality store-bought version works perfectly
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Layer your foundation:
- Spread that pesto generously on two slices of bread, right to the edges so every bite gets that herbal kick
- Build the middle:
- Pile your shredded chicken evenly over the pesto, then layer mozzarella on top, letting it drape slightly over the edges for maximum coverage
- Close it up:
- Place the remaining bread slices on top, then butter the outside of both sides like youre making a regular grilled cheese
- The golden moment:
- Cook in a medium skillet for about 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula until youve got that deep golden crunch and cheese is oozing out the sides
Pin it These have become my go-to when friends come over for casual dinner, the kind of meal where everyone leans in over their plates, making happy sounds and reaching for seconds without saying a word.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Making It Your Own
The beauty here is in how adaptable the framework is, different breads create entirely different experiences, ciabatta gives you those wonderful air pockets while multigrain adds a nutty dimension that plays nicely against the rich cheese.
Perfecting The Technique
Ive learned that covering the pan for the first minute of cooking helps the cheese melt evenly before the bread gets too dark, and a heavy pan on top creates that pressed sandwich vibe without needing any special equipment.
Serving Suggestions
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, or serve alongside a warm tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Try swapping the chicken for grilled vegetables in summer
- Add a thin layer of sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth
- Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving
Pin it Theres something deeply satisfying about taking something as humble as leftover chicken and elevating it into something that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.
Recipe Q&A
- → What bread works best for this sandwich?
Sourdough or Italian bread provides excellent structure and flavor. Ciabatta or multigrain alternatives offer different textures while maintaining the crispy exterior and soft interior needed for this sandwich.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time. Simply shred the meat and layer it over the pesto. The seasoning from store-bought chicken adds extra depth to the flavors.
- → How do I get the crispiest results?
Butter the exterior generously, use medium heat, and press gently with a spatula while cooking. The 3-4 minute per side cooking time allows the bread to golden evenly while the cheese melts completely.
- → What can I serve alongside this sandwich?
A crisp Italian white wine complements the rich flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon works well. A simple side salad or tomato soup also pairs perfectly.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the shredded chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini slices or roasted peppers. The pesto and mozzarella provide plenty of protein and umami flavor without meat.
- → How do I store leftovers?
These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If needed, wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to restore the crispy texture.
