Mozzarella Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Mouthwatering grilled cheese with shredded chicken, basil pesto, and melted mozzarella. Golden, crispy, and ready in just 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or Italian bread
02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or shredded
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Protein

04 - 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast

→ Sauces & Spreads

05 - 3 tbsp basil pesto

→ Optional Add-Ins

06 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
08 - Fresh basil leaves

# How to Make It:

01 - Lay out all bread slices. Spread 1 to 1.5 tbsp pesto onto two of the slices.
02 - Evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top of the pesto-covered slices.
03 - Layer mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Add tomato slices and fresh basil if using. Sprinkle with Parmesan for extra flavor, if desired.
04 - Top with the remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
05 - Spread the softened butter on the outsides of each sandwich, covering both top and bottom surfaces.
06 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet, pressing them slightly with a spatula. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then cut in half and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The pesto creates this incredible herbal base that makes every bite feel bright and fresh
  • Its the perfect way to transform leftover chicken into something that feels completely new
  • The combination of mozzarella and pesto is basically magic in sandwich form
02 -
  • Medium heat is crucial here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt
  • Pressing down with your spatula while cooking helps everything fuse together perfectly
  • Letting them rest for even one minute prevents that cheese from oozing out the second you cut them
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients melt more evenly so pull your cheese out about 20 minutes before you start
  • A cast iron skillet creates the most beautiful golden crust but any heavy pan will work
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