Don’t underestimate the power of a great Pesto Chicken Sandwich. It’s the perfect option for gatherings, picnics, or work lunches. Packed with tasty homemade pesto, roast chicken, sweet tomatoes, peppery rocket, and melted cheese, this sandwich delivers all the flavours you crave in a quick and satisfying meal.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Flavourful – The homemade basil pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes bring a burst of fresh, vibrant flavour.
- Comfort Food – Roast chicken, fresh rocket, and wholesome ingredients make this sandwich filling and nutritious.
What’s in my Pesto Chicken Panini
Roast Chicken – Succulent, juicy and protein packed.
Crusty Bread – Toasted to perfection, creating the perfect base.
Homemade Basil Pesto – Fresh basil, pine nuts, and parmesan make this pesto rich and flavourful.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet and slightly tangy, adding a juicy burst of flavour.
Rocket – Adds a peppery crunch that balances the richness of the pesto and cheese.
Melted Cheese – Gooey cheese that ties everything together.
Pesto Chicken Panini
Course: Main2
servings20
minutes25
minutesIngredients
Ciabatta loaf, halved
4 slices of Jarlsberg cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
200g roast chicken, sliced
- Roasted tomatoes:
250g cherry tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
- Basil pesto:
2 tbsp pine nuts
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup parmesan, finely grated
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper
1 small garlic clove
- Salad:
200g rocket leaves
Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Roasted Tomatoes:
- Preheat oven to 180°C
- Place the tomatoes and whole garlic cloves in an ovenproof pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt.
- Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelised. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Basil Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, parmesan, garlic clove, olive oil and salt and pepper until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Set aside.
- Make the Salad:
- In a mixing bowl, toss the rocket leaves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- Build the Chicken Sandwich:
- Slice the bread in half and toast it in the oven until lightly golden.
- Spread a generous layer of basil pesto on the top half.
- Arrange the roast chicken on the bottom half, followed by the cheese slices. Place back in in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Top with roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic and a handful of rocket salad. Finish by placing the top half of the bread over the layers to complete the sandwich.
