Pesto Chicken Sandwich – sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes and lettuce, a smear of tangy goat cheese and creamy pesto mayonnaise on toasted sourdough. It’s the sandwich of summer and it’s absolutely irresistible!
This sandwich takes me back to a summer day in northern Michigan near Traverse City – exploring the docks and wrapping both hands around a sandwich that somehow made vacation taste even better.
This Pesto Chicken Sandwich with sourdough bread, creamy pesto mayo, juicy chicken, tangy goat cheese, lettuce and tomato is a little nostalgic, a lot delicious — and now, this easy weeknight meal is yours to enjoy anytime.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
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Fast and flexible: Grill, air fry, or go with store-bought rotisserie chicken.
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Flavor-packed: Fresh basil pesto + creamy mayo = next-level sandwich spread.
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Customizable: Swap the bread, cheese, or greens with what you have on hand.
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Summer vibes: Light, herby and made for patio eating with a nice Rosé.
Ingredients you’ll need for this Pesto Chicken:
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Cooked skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, or rotisserie)
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Fresh basil pesto
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Mayonnaise
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Sourdough bread, ciabatta rolls, or focaccia bread
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Goat cheese softened to room temp
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Juicy tomatoes sliced
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Lettuce or fresh arugula
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Optional: garlic powder, black pepper, sun-dried tomatoes
Homemade Pesto:
Click here and head over to my easy recipe for homemade pesto. Make in a food processor or high speed blender with basil leaves, olive oil, toasted pine nuts and parmesan cheese.
How to make the best Chicken Pesto Sandwich:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Use grilled, air fried (see my go-to recipe), or sliced rotisserie chicken. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 2: Make the Pesto Mayo
In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of pesto with 2 tablespoons of mayo (or to taste). Use your own pesto or a good quality store-bought one. This spread brings extra flavor and creamy richness.
Step 3: Build your sandwich
Toast the sourdough bread then layer toasted crispy bread with a smear of goat cheese, pesto mayo, sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes and lettuce. Press lightly then slice on the diagonal (the only way to cut a sandwich!).
Step 4: Eat cold or toast the sandwich:
Instead of toasting the bread, use a grill pan or panini press for melty cheese and golden crisped bread.
Best sides with Pesto Chicken Sandwich:
5 Minute Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Green Salad or Potato Chips
Tips and FAQ:
What bread is best for a pesto chicken sandwich?
Sourdough adds great flavor, but ciabatta rolls or focaccia bread work beautifully too.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep all the components ahead and assemble when ready to eat. Just keep the bread, tomatoes and pesto mayo separate until the last minute to avoid sogginess.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! A good store-bought pesto works well too.
What chicken is best for this sandwich?
Use juicy grilled chicken breast seasoned simply with salt, black pepper and garlic powder, air fryer chicken, rotisserie chicken – or ever leftover chicken — whatever’s easiest and works best for you.
What cheese goes well with pesto chicken?
My favorite is the way the Village Cheese Shanty serves it – with a schmear of softened goat cheese. The goat cheese adds tang and creaminess, but mozzarella or provolone are great alternatives if you want something more melty.
Enjoy!
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Best Pesto Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cooked
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons goat cheese softened to room temp
- 2 romaine lettuce leaves
- 1 medium tomatoes sliced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons pesto or to taste
Instructions
- Grilled or air fry chicken and slice - or - slice breast from rotisserie chicken.
- To a small bowl, blend pesto and mayonnaise. Taste and adjust to your preference adding more pesto if you like.
- Toast the bread then layer with goat cheese, pesto mayo, sliced chicken, tomatoes and lettuce. Press lightly then slice and eat.
A great way to use leftover chicken…..love all the flavors going on here. Going on menu list….pinned. Thanks for a great sandwich idea.
Hey there Mary – thank you! Yes definitely a great use for leftover chicken! Do you overcook like I do? Sandwiches don’t have to be boring, right? Enjoy the weekend and let’s chat next week 🙂
Easy, fresh picnic sandwich. Love this!!