Soy-Free Pesto Chicken Melt

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Soy-Free Pesto Chicken Melt, a mouthwatering twist on the classic sandwich that's perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts layered with a rich, homemade pesto made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese—completely free of soy-based additives. Topped with melty mozzarella and tucked into toasted ciabatta rolls, this sandwich is a heavenly blend of creamy, nutty, and savory goodness. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a quick bake in the oven, this satisfying dish is both simple and bursting with gourmet flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual weekend treat, it's a must-try for pesto lovers and sandwich enthusiasts alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 slices Mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 pieces Ciabatta rolls

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest.

Step 5

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the soy-free pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 6

Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth paste, adjusting with more olive oil if necessary.

Step 7

Slice the ciabatta rolls in half and place them cut side up on a baking sheet.

Step 8

Spread a generous amount of pesto on the bottom half of each roll.

Step 9

Slice the cooked chicken breasts and place equal portions on top of the pesto-covered rolls.

Step 10

Top the chicken slices with mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Place the top halves of the ciabatta rolls back on top of the assembled chicken and cheese.

Step 12

Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly toasted.

Step 13

Remove from the oven, slice each sandwich in half if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(791.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1981.3

Total Fat 103.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 34.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 423.8mg	0%
Sodium 4804.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 89.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.1g	0%
Total Sugars 7.6g
Protein 168.4g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 1163.1mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 1514.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.5%

Protein: 34.3%

Carbs: 18.2%