Fresh Basil Pesto Chicken Sandwich

This is one of my all time favorite sandwiches. I suppose I say that about all these meals but this is one of the best-o with pesto!

The key to this sandwich is the pesto. Now, you can always use store bought pesto but its pricey and doesn’t have the flavor of my fresh basil pesto. If you haven’t made it, check it out here. It’s full of that delicious basil, parmesan, and garlic! And, most importantly, super simple! It truly is the star of this sandwich.

The other critical component is the soft kaiser roll. Toasting the sandwich in the oven for a few minutes keeps the exterior crispy and the bready interior light and fluffy.

And, nothing compliments a basil pesto better than tomato. For this sandwich, I sliced a Campari tomato but, really, any tomato will do. Now, I do have to say, if you haven’t tried a Campari tomato, you should. I believe the tagline on a Campari is “the tomato lovers tomato” and it’s true. They are so juicy and flavorful. My son will eat them whole with his lunch or dinner. Now, with kids, it’s tough to get those veggies in so you take wins wherever you can get them! Another tip I’ve learned with this recipe is to swap out a regular chicken breast for the frozen chicken tenders breaded with veggies and it works perfectly for the kiddos! You can get a few more veggies in the sandwich and the kids are none the wiser. Still absolutely delicious!

Building the sandwich

So let’s start building this sandwich. Slice the fresh kaiser roll in two and spread both halves with the fresh basil pesto.

Add the sliced tomato next. I typically can fit 3 to 5 slices of tomato. Not too thick but just enough to know there’s a delicious juicy tomato to compliment the pesto. Then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. You can keep it light here since we’ll add more to the other side before putting it in the oven.

Next, you’ll want to add grilled or breaded chicken tenders, fully cooked. You can certainly shave a few calories by going grilled and, don’t worry, all the flavor will still be there! But if you want breaded, no judgment here. That’s how we do it!

Then top with some more mozzarella shredded cheese.

Baking

Pop this in a preheated 350 degree oven for no more than 10 minutes. You’re really just melting the cheese over the sandwich.

The sandwich will be toasty on the outside of both halves. Carefully put the two halves together and slice in half. Oh how your family will love this sandwich and request it ALL THE TIME!

Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!

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