Crispy Grilled Chicken Pesto Melt Sandwich Recipe
A deliciously crispy grilled chicken grilled cheese sandwich featuring a perfectly fried chicken cutlet layered with melted mozzarella and fragrant pesto on sourdough bread, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cutlet
- 1 boneless chicken cutlet
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- Neutral cooking oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich
- 2 slices sourdough or rich artisanal bread
- 2 tbsp Barilla pesto
- 8 thin slices mozzarella cheese
- Optional: Mayonnaise or your favorite dip (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlet evenly with salt and pepper. Dredge it in flour to coat the surface, then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat the cutlet thoroughly with breadcrumbs for a crisp crust.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a shallow layer of neutral cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken cutlet for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread 2 tablespoons of Barilla pesto on one slice of sourdough bread. Layer 4 slices of mozzarella cheese evenly over the pesto, then place the crispy chicken cutlet on top. Add the remaining 4 slices of mozzarella cheese over the chicken, and finish by topping with the second slice of bread.
- Melt and Crisp: Place the assembled sandwich in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C). Bake or air fry for approximately 8 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the mozzarella cheese inside is fully melted.
- Serve: Slice the sandwich, serve with mayonnaise or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy the irresistible combination of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful pesto.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through thoroughly; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to guarantee safety.
- Using thin slices of mozzarella helps in even melting and layering within the sandwich.
- For extra crispiness, you can butter the outer sides of the bread before baking.
- Feel free to substitute pesto with a different spread like garlic aioli or sun-dried tomato spread for flavor variation.
- To make multiple servings, double or triple the ingredient quantities accordingly.
