Chicken Walnut Pesto Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Chicken Walnut Pesto Sandwich combines everything you want in a satisfying meal: juicy grilled chicken, a flavorful homemade pesto made with walnuts, and the right amount of crunch. The walnuts in the pesto lend a nutty, earthy flavor that complements the chicken, while the pesto itself brings an herbaceous richness that takes the sandwich to the next level. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this sandwich is a delicious and nutritious meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy days or impressing your guests at lunch!

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the pesto:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1/4 cup walnuts (lightly toasted for extra flavor)

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the sandwich:

• 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, whole grain, or a baguette works well)

• Fresh arugula or spinach (optional, for added freshness)

• Sliced tomato (optional)

• Additional grated Parmesan (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the chicken:

1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Grill the chicken: Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

For the pesto:

3. Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse a few times to break everything down. While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and lemon juice until the pesto is smooth and well-combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the sandwich:

4. Toast the bread: Toast the bread slices lightly, either in a toaster, on a grill pan, or in the oven until they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Assemble the sandwich: Spread a generous layer of walnut pesto on one side of each toasted bread slice. Layer the grilled chicken slices on one piece of bread, followed by fresh arugula (or spinach) and sliced tomato if using. Top with the other slice of pesto-covered bread.

6. Serve: Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately, optionally sprinkling some extra grated Parmesan on top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 Chicken Walnut Pesto Sandwiches. Preparation time is around 10-15 minutes, and grilling the chicken will take about 12-14 minutes. The pesto can be made while the chicken is grilling, so the sandwich comes together quickly!

Variations

• Vegan version: Use grilled or roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, eggplant, or portobello mushrooms) in place of chicken, and use a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast in the pesto.

• Different nuts: You can swap the walnuts for other nuts, such as pine nuts, almonds, or cashews, to give the pesto a different flavor profile.

• Spicy option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or layer sliced jalapeños in the sandwich for some heat.

• Cheese option: Add a slice of mozzarella, provolone, or goat cheese to the sandwich for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftover pesto, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the pesto for up to 3 months. For leftover sandwiches, it’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can store them in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat the chicken and bread separately before assembling again.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

The chicken and pesto can definitely be made ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and pesto in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, then assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto in this recipe, but homemade pesto really elevates the flavor. If you go for store-bought, look for one that’s fresh and doesn’t contain too many preservatives.

How do I make the pesto more creamy?

To make the pesto extra creamy, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or a bit more Parmesan cheese. This will give it a thicker, creamier texture.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can use other proteins like turkey, grilled tofu, or even a poached egg in place of the chicken.

Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free bread to make this sandwich gluten-free. The pesto itself is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make the pesto nut-free?

If you have a nut allergy, you can make the pesto nut-free by substituting the walnuts with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even oats.

Conclusion

The Chicken Walnut Pesto Sandwich is a flavorful, satisfying meal that combines the richness of pesto, the heartiness of grilled chicken, and the freshness of arugula and tomato. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner. With the balance of savory pesto and tender chicken, each bite is a little taste of heaven. Whether you’re making it for yourself or serving it to guests, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation!