How to Make This Easy Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipe

Makes: 2 Servings
Per Serving: 27g Protein | 425 Cal

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I absolutely love a quick and easy recipe, especially on busy days, when the alternative is settling for a snack (or something that forces me to compromise on my nutrition goals). This high-protein crispy pesto chicken sandwich is packed with so much flavor, comes together in no time at all (under 15 minutes—for real!), and definitely delivers on the macros front.

Whether you’re packing up for a picnic (or a day at the beach), looking for something to make between work calls, or are just looking to switch up your usual lunch or dinner go-tos, you’ve got to try this recipe. You won’t regret it!

Watch me make this recipe HERE!

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Chicken Sandwich Recipe

• It’ll satisfy your cravings with the perfect crunch: With a mix of crispy chicken, toasted ciabatta, creamy cottage cheese, and melty, gooey gouda, this sandwich will nip those cravings in the bud.

• It packs a punch of flavor: This sandwich has tons of herby flavor from the fresh pesto, creaminess from the cottage cheese, tang from the jarred roasted red peppers, savory crunch from the chicken strips, and sweetness from the balsamic glaze. It’s everything you could ask for in a hearty yet healthy meal.

• High in protein: Each serving of this sandwich contains about 27g of protein, so it’ll keep you full and fueled throughout your day.

• Quick and easy to prepare: You can make this sandwich in under 15 minutes, making it the ideal meal to throw together on a busy weeknight or for an easy lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 servings Caulipower Chicken Strips (or grilled chicken breast if you’d prefer it)

• 1 medium ciabatta roll (I love the one from Trader Joe’s!)

• 1.5 tablespoons pesto sauce (you can also make your own homemade basil pesto if you'd prefer)

• 2 tablespoons cottage cheese

• 1–2 strips roasted red bell pepper

• A handful of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or whatever’s on hand)

• 2 slices Gouda cheese (don't like Gouda? Use fresh mozzarella cheese instead!)

• Balsamic glaze, for that sweet, tangy finish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Turn on your oven and preheat it to 400 degrees. Slice the ciabatta roll in half (if it’s not already sliced), then toast to your desired crispness.

2. Cook the chicken strips: Either air fry (usually about 10 minutes) or bake your chicken strips according to the directions on the package. They should be crispy and golden (and cooked through) when done.

3. Make your spread: Combine the pesto and cottage cheese in a small bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Build the sandwich: When the bread is toasted, slather each side in the pesto mixture. Then, add the sliced cheese, greens, roasted red peppers, chicken strips, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving - Makes 2 Servings)

• Calories: 435

• Protein: 27g

• Carbs: 40g

• Fat: 19g
  
  

Swaps & Substitutions

• Instead of ciabatta buns: If you don’t have or can’t find ciabatta, you can use a whole grain bun, mini baguette, sourdough, or even lavash or another wrap.

• Make it dairy-free: If you have any dietary restrictions, make sure you use a dairy-free fresh basil pesto, plant-based cheese, and a dairy-free cottage cheese or yogurt.

• Bulk it up: If you want to add some extra things to your sandwich, consider avocado slices, hard boiled egg slices, chopped broccolini, sliced zucchini or eggplant, or a few slices of ripe tomato.

• Make it even easier: Meal prep extra chicken strips and keep them in the fridge for even quicker sammies (they won’t be as crispy as freshly-made though).

FAQs

• What can I use instead of Caulipower chicken strips?

  If you don’t want to use Caulipower chicken strips, you can use your favorite frozen chicken strips, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or leftover rotisserie chicken. Not interested in chicken? Try a white bean spread, sliced tofu, turkey, or even pork.
  

• What should I use if I don’t have ciabatta rolls?

  One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it is! If you don’t have ciabatta, you can use a whole grain sandwich roll, sourdough bread, a mini baguette, lavash, or a high-protein wrap.

• Is cottage cheese good in sandwiches?

  Definitely! It’s creamy, adds protein, and doesn’t overpower the flavor of other sandwich ingredients. When you mix it with pesto, it’s even better. Not only that, but using cottage cheese helps you cut down on other higher-calorie spreads like mayo.
  

• Can I make this pesto chicken sandwich dairy-free?

  Yes, you can! Swap out the pesto for a vegan pesto (traditional pesto, including most store-bought versions, contain Parmesan cheese), use dairy-free cheese slices in place of the gouda, and use a dairy-free cottage cheese or swap it out entirely for a hummus or white bean spread.

• How can I make these chicken sandwiches in advance?

  If you want to prep your sandwich ahead of time, keep the ingredients separate (store in an airtight container) and assemble the sandwich right before you eat. You’ll end up with a crunchier, crispier, fresher texture. The cottage cheese, pesto, and balsamic glaze can make the chicken and bread a bit soggy if the sandwich sits.

• What should I serve with this delicious sandwich?

  Pair your sandwich with a simple salad, sweet potato fries, potato wedges, juicy tomatoes, fresh arugula, sautéed zucchini, or whatever else you like.

This high-protein crispy pesto chicken sandwich is simple, satisfying, and packed with tons of delicious flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch or a tasty dinner the whole family will love, this recipe is one you won’t want to miss.

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Crispy Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Yield: 2

Author: Ashley aka The Protein Snack Queen

Looking for a sandwich that’s high in protein and absolutely packed with flavor? Look no further than my crispy chicken pesto sandwich! Made in 15 minutes and so delicious, it’ll satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your nutrition goals.

Ingredients

• 2 servings Caulipower Chicken Strips (or grilled chicken breast if you’d prefer it)
• 1 medium ciabatta roll (I love the one from Trader Joe’s!)
• 1.5 tablespoons pesto sauce (you can also make your own homemade basil pesto if you'd prefer)
• 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
• 1–2 strips roasted red bell pepper
• A handful of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or whatever’s on hand)
• 2 slices Gouda cheese (don't like Gouda? Use fresh mozzarella cheese instead!)
• Balsamic glaze, for that sweet, tangy finish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Turn on your oven and preheat it to 400 degrees. Slice the ciabatta roll in half (if it’s not already sliced), then toast to your desired crispness.
2. Cook the chicken strips: Either air fry (usually about 10 minutes) or bake your chicken strips according to the directions on the package. They should be crispy and golden (and cooked through) when done.
3. Make your spread: Combine the pesto and cottage cheese in a small bowl and mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Build the sandwich: When the bread is toasted, slather each side in the pesto mixture. Then, add the sliced cheese, greens, roasted red peppers, chicken strips, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

435

Fat

19 g

Carbs

40 g

Protein

27 g

Nutrition info is based off of estimates. They are calculated by taking the ingredients in this recipe and dividing them by the number of servings.