Grilled Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich with Tomato and Garlic Butter

Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich Recipe

This Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich is a delightful creation that brings together the rich flavors of basil, walnuts, garlic, and creamy mayonnaise with a grilled chicken breast, all nestled between lightly toasted hot dog bread. It’s a perfect recipe for a weekend lunch, offering a balance of fresh, savory, and slightly tangy elements. Paired with Zucchini Parmesan Fritters and a refreshing Tzatziki dip, this sandwich is sure to impress anyone you serve it to.

Ingredients

Preparation Time

• 90 minutes (including marinating time)

Cooking Time

• 30 minutes

Total Time

• 2 hours (including preparation and cooking)

Servings

• 2 servings

Cuisine

• Continental

Course

• Main Course

Diet

• Non-Vegetarian

Instructions

To create this Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich, we will start by making the basil pesto. Here’s how you can achieve that deliciously fragrant and nutty pesto:

1. Make the Basil Pesto:

   • Begin by preparing the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted walnuts, finely chopped garlic, salt, crushed black peppercorns, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Blend these ingredients together until you achieve a coarse paste.
   • With the processor running, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube. Continue processing until the mixture becomes a smooth, pureed pesto.
   • Transfer this freshly made pesto to a bowl and set it aside.

2. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a mixing bowl, place the chicken breast. Add 2 tablespoons of the prepared basil pesto, fresh cream, and lemon juice. Mix everything together, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
   • Allow the chicken to marinate for about 1 hour to absorb the flavors.

3. Grill the Chicken:

   • After marinating, heat a grill pan or skillet on medium heat. Add garlic butter to the pan, allowing it to melt.
   • Place the marinated chicken breast in the pan and cook for approximately 8-10 minutes on each side, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice golden-brown crust.
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Slice or chop the chicken into small chunks or slices, depending on your preference.

4. Toast the Hot Dog Bread:

   • Slice the hot dog bread horizontally, being careful not to slice all the way through.
   • Lightly spread butter on the inside of each piece of bread. Toast the bread on a low flame on a griddle or skillet until both sides are lightly crisped and golden. Once done, set aside.

5. Assemble the Sandwich:

   • Take the two halves of the toasted hot dog bread and place them on a countertop.
   • On the bottom half, spread a generous layer of sweet and spicy red chili sauce.
   • Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top, followed by the pesto chicken pieces.
   • Add the cheese slices on top of the chicken to allow them to slightly melt from the heat of the chicken.
   • On the top half of the bread, spread mayonnaise generously on the inside.
   • Close the sandwich, pressing gently to help everything hold together.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Slice the Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich in half and serve immediately.
   • For a complete meal, pair this sandwich with Zucchini Parmesan Fritters and a cooling Tzatziki dip for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich:

• Chicken: Make sure the chicken is marinated long enough to absorb the flavors of the pesto and cream, resulting in a juicy and tender texture.
• Basil Pesto: If you don’t have walnuts, feel free to substitute them with pine nuts or almonds for a different flavor.
• Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese slices—mozzarella or provolone work wonderfully with the pesto chicken.
• Bread: You can experiment with different types of bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, if you want a slightly different texture or flavor profile.

This Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken Sub Sandwich is a savory delight that offers a combination of bold flavors and creamy textures, perfect for a hearty meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet weekend lunch, this sandwich is sure to satisfy.