Mozzarella Pesto Chicken Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden grilled cheese featuring shredded chicken, basil pesto, and melted mozzarella. Ready in 20 minutes for two servings.

# What You 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 the bread slices and 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 -
  • Uses up leftover chicken so nothing goes to waste
  • Tastes like a restaurant panini but made in your own kitchen
  • Ready in 20 minutes perfect for busy weeknight dinners
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend—too high and the bread burns before cheese melts
  • Pressing gently with spatula helps everything meld together
  • Sharp knife prevents dragging the cheese when you cut
03 -
  • Dont rush the cooking—patient browning creates the best crunch
  • Extra Parmesan sprinkled outside before buttering adds another savory layer
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