Name: Ultimate Pesto Chicken Melt
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound (454g) chicken breasts halved (butterflied,sliced thinly through the breast); 2 tablespoons (30ml) pesto; 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil; 1 lemon (juiced (keep lemons)); heaping pinch salt; heaping pinch pepper; 4 slices of Italian Bread (or Ciabatta or other favorite bread); 2 teaspoons (10ml) butter; 1 cup (237ml) shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 Roma tomato (sliced); 1 cup (237ml) mixed greens (or lettuce or spinach); 2 tablespoons (30ml) pesto

Description

Tender, pesto-marinated chicken is pan-seared, topped with melted mozzarella, and served on toasted Italian bread for a truly satisfying sandwich. A perfect weeknight dinner that comes together quickly.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound (454g) chicken breasts halved (butterflied,sliced thinly through the breast)
2 tablespoons (30ml) pesto
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
1 lemon (juiced (keep lemons))
heaping pinch salt
heaping pinch pepper
4 slices of Italian Bread (or Ciabatta or other favorite bread)
2 teaspoons (10ml) butter
1 cup (237ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 Roma tomato (sliced)
1 cup (237ml) mixed greens (or lettuce or spinach)
2 tablespoons (30ml) pesto

Instructions

For the Chicken Marinade:
In a large plastic bag, combine chicken breasts, pesto, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon, salt, and pepper. (Optional: Use a meat tenderizer to flatten the chicken for a thinner and more tender result.) Shake until the chicken is well coated.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Cooking the Chicken:
On the stovetop, heat a large frying pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook on both sides for about 5 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat.
Allow the chicken to cool for a few minutes.
Preheat the oven to Broil (or the highest setting). Place shredded mozzarella cheese on the cooked chicken.
Cook in the oven for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and melted.
Making the Sandwich:
On the stovetop, heat a medium frying pan to medium-high heat.
Butter both sides of the bread. Place the bread in the pan and allow to brown until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
Allow the bread to cool for a couple minutes.
Spread a thin layer of pesto on the toasted bread. Place the chicken on top. Then top with desired toppings, such as sliced tomato and mixed greens or lettuce/spinach.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American