Mozzarella Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden pressed sandwich with pesto, chicken, and melted mozzarella

# What You 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 all four bread slices on a clean surface. Spread 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of basil pesto evenly onto two of the slices, ensuring complete coverage to the edges.
02 - Distribute the shredded cooked chicken breast evenly over the pesto-covered bread slices, pressing gently to create an even layer that will heat through during grilling.
03 - Arrange fresh mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella over the chicken layer. If using, add thin tomato slices and fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for enhanced flavor depth.
04 - Place the remaining plain bread slices on top to complete the sandwiches, pressing down lightly to compact the layers.
05 - Spread softened unsalted butter generously on the outside of each sandwich, coating both the top and bottom slices completely for even golden browning.
06 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and press gently with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until bread achieves deep golden brown color and cheese melts completely.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1 minute to allow cheese to set. Cut each sandwich diagonally in half and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of warm basil pesto and melting mozzarella creates an incredibly cozy flavor profile that feels like a hug
  • Its the perfect solution for transforming leftover chicken into something that feels entirely new and special
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here, too high and youll burn the bread before the cheese melts
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for a full minute after cooking gives the cheese time to set slightly so it doesnt all run out when you cut them
03 -
  • Mayo instead of butter on the outside creates an even crispier crust that wont burn as easily
  • Use a serrated knife to cut the sandwiches, it slices through without dragging the cheese
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