From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/6
Instructions
1
Place the boneless skinless chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut in half horizontally to create two thin sliced pieces. Next, cover the chicken loosely with plastic wrap and use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to pound the chicken, until both pieces are tenderized and thinned out to about 1/2 an inch or so. Season both sides of each piece of chicken liberally with salt and pepper. Set aside on a plate while you prepare the pesto mayo and buns.
2
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with teaspoon or so of pesto mayo until well mixed. Cut your buns in half (or use your favorite bread – sourdough would be great too) and toast both sides to your liking.
3
Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the raw chicken to the pan using tongs. Cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes, then flip. Cook for another 2 minutes, then reduce heat to low. Add sliced mozzarella cheese, then cover the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Check to ensure the chicken has reached 165F, then remove from heat. Add a spoonful of remaining pesto to each chicken breast, then cover lid with a lid to rest briefly while you prepare the buns.
4
Slather the pesto mayo on your buns, then add a pesto mozzarella covered chicken breast to each bun. Add a slice of tomato or two and place bun on top. Serve with fries or potato wedges and a side salad!
5
Save any remaining cooked chicken (without pesto if possible) in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop in the same way it was cooked, or in the air fryer for 4-6 minutes at 350F.
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Butterfly and Pound for Even Cooking 🔪Butterfly the chicken breast horizontally, then pound to ¼-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and faster preparation, preventing dry edges while keeping the center tender.
- Toast Your Buns in Avocado Oil 🍞Lightly brush hamburger buns with avocado oil and toast them in a skillet until golden—this prevents sogginess from moisture and adds rich flavor that complements the pesto.
- Create Pesto Mayo for Enhanced Flavor 🌿Mix your traditional basil pesto with mayonnaise in a 1:2 ratio to create a creamy, flavorful spread that distributes the pesto evenly without overpowering the sandwich.
- Salt and Rest Your Chicken Properly 🧂Season boneless chicken breasts 30 minutes before cooking and let rest for 5 minutes after reaching 165°F internally—this locks in moisture and ensures maximum tenderness.
- Layer Strategically for Structural Integrity 🏗️Build your sandwich as: bun, pesto mayo, chicken, warm mozzarella (placed while chicken is hot), tomato, then top bun—this prevents the bottom bun from becoming soggy from tomato juice.
Recipe Facts
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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Glycemic Load
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