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Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese

Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, this Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese is creamy, crispy, and oh-so-easy to make. With layers of delicious chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant pesto, it's the perfect weeknight dinner. Treat yourself tonight!
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Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices bread hearty whole-grain preferred
  • 1 tablespoon butter at room temperature
  • 1.5 teaspoons pesto (more or less depending on size of bread slices)
  • 0.25 cup Gruyere cheese shredded
  • 0.25 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 3 slices chicken (cooked, rotisserie chicken is a terrific shortcut)
  • 2 slices roasted red bell pepper optional
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Frying Pan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Butter one slice of bread and place it butter-side down on a grill pan or sauté pan.
  2. Spread pesto over the other side, then layer with cheeses, chicken (sprinkled with salt and pepper to taste), and peppers, if using.
  3. Butter the second slice of bread and top the sandwich with the butter side up.
  4. Cook over medium heat till the bottom slice of bread is browned and the cheese is beginning to melt. Carefully flip and cook till the second side is browned and the cheese is completely melted, adjusting the burner temperature as needed.
  5. Slice in half and serve.

Notes

  • Storage: If you have leftovers, store the sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
  • Freezing: This sandwich can be frozen before cooking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
  • Pairing: Serve your Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese with a side of fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup for a complete meal.
  • Make it a Melt: To make it even more indulgent, consider adding some slices of avocado for creaminess.
  • Cheese Options: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella can also work beautifully.