Delicious Open-Faced Chicken Sandwiches with Homemade Artichoke Pesto: A Quick & Healthy Summer Meal
Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected detours our way. Just yesterday, for instance, I found myself facing jury duty, bracing for what I thought would be a long, drawn-out two-week fraud trial. You can imagine my relief when, after arriving promptly at 8:00 AM for check-in, I was home by 10:00 AM! The case, thankfully, had been settled out of court Sunday evening. While it was a huge relief not to be sequestered for weeks, the initial thought of having the immense responsibility of potentially sending someone to jail was quite daunting. It truly puts things into perspective. I’m certainly hoping it’ll be a very long time before I receive another summons!
After such an unexpected and mentally taxing start to the day, the last thing I wanted was to spend hours in the kitchen cooking. What I needed was a meal that was not only incredibly satisfying and full of flavor but also quick and easy to prepare. Something that felt light yet hearty, perfect for shaking off the day’s events. And that’s exactly what led me to this fantastic recipe: Open-Faced Chicken Sandwiches with a vibrant, zesty artichoke pesto. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity, fresh flavors, and minimal effort – truly a lifesaver for busy weeknights or unexpected days.
My Artichoke Revelation: From Skeptic to Fan
For the longest time, I was genuinely on the fence about artichoke hearts. They always seemed a bit intimidating to me, and honestly, I’m not entirely sure why. I love a vast array of vegetables, but artichokes just had this mysterious aura about them. My previous encounters were mostly limited to artichoke dips, which, while often tasty, had other ingredients I wasn’t particularly fond of, making it hard to discern if my apprehension was truly about the artichoke or the overall blend of flavors. I never quite understood what all the fuss was about, leaving them as one of those ingredients I politely avoided.
However, I’m thrilled to report that my culinary journey has finally led me to a delicious breakthrough! I can now confidently say that I am a fan of artichokes, especially when transformed into this incredible pesto. And here’s the best part: my eight-year-old son, who can be notoriously picky, also absolutely loves it! Don’t tell him I said that; we want to keep some mystique around his newfound veggie appreciation. This open-faced chicken sandwich recipe was the perfect vehicle for this culinary conversion, proving that sometimes all it takes is the right preparation to fall in love with a once-feared ingredient.
The Brilliance of Artichoke Pesto: A Summer Sensation
Creating a pesto out of artichokes might sound unconventional, but trust me, it’s a stroke of genius! This isn’t your traditional basil pesto, but it offers a unique, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that is incredibly refreshing. It comes together remarkably fast, making it ideal for those days when time is of the essence. Simply toss a few key ingredients into a food processor, pulse a few times, and you’re rewarded with a vibrant, flavorful pesto that elevates any dish.
These open-faced chicken sandwiches are particularly perfect for the warmer months. You can grill the chicken, which means absolutely no need to heat up your kitchen. This is a huge bonus during hot summer nights when turning on the oven feels like a monumental task. The combination of tender grilled chicken, crispy whole-grain bread, and that bright, herbaceous artichoke pesto is simply irresistible. Plus, a fantastic benefit is that the homemade artichoke pesto keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for a few days, making it an excellent component for meal prep. You can whip up a batch on Sunday and enjoy these delicious, healthy sandwiches for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Beyond these sandwiches, this artichoke pesto is incredibly versatile. Try it as a spread for crackers, a topping for grilled fish, or even tossed with pasta for a quick meal. It’s a wonderful way to add a burst of fresh flavor to almost anything!
Open Face Chicken Sandwich w/ Artichoke Pesto
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Ingredients
- 3 8oz chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 oz artichoke hearts, drained
- 2 oz Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 Tablespoons light mayo
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 6 slices whole grain bread
- 3 Tablespoons parsley, ,chopped (garnish)
- crushed red pepper flakes, (optional)
Instructions
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Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise, to form 2 cutlets. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Coat pan with non stick spray. Add chicken, and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
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In a small food processor combine artichokes, 3 Tbls Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, mayo, olive oil, garlic, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Pulse until coarsely ground.
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Lightly toast slices of bread in a toaster, under a broiler, or over a grill.
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To serve spread 2 1/2 Tbls artichoke pesto on each slice of bread. Top with 3 oz of sliced chicken, sprinkle over remaining Parmesan cheese and garnish with parsley. Sprinkle with a few crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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Customization, Serving Suggestions, and Health Benefits
One of the best aspects of these open-faced chicken sandwiches is their versatility. Feel free to customize them based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, while whole-grain bread offers a hearty base and beneficial fiber, you could also try a crusty sourdough or even a gluten-free alternative. Instead of grilled chicken, consider using baked or pan-seared chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker assembly. For a vegetarian option, grilled halloumi cheese or a thick slice of roasted portobello mushroom would be fantastic in place of chicken.
To enhance the flavor and nutritional value, don’t hesitate to add extra toppings. Sliced fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, a handful of baby spinach, or some thinly sliced red onion would all complement the artichoke pesto beautifully. A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese could also add another layer of tanginess and creaminess. Serve these sandwiches alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, a bowl of tomato soup, or even some fresh fruit for a complete and balanced meal.
Beyond their incredible taste, these sandwiches offer several health benefits. Artichokes are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, promoting digestive health and overall well-being. Lean chicken breasts provide a good source of protein, crucial for muscle repair and satiety. Opting for whole-grain bread further boosts your fiber intake, aiding in digestion and providing sustained energy. This recipe truly offers a delicious way to enjoy a wholesome and satisfying meal without compromising on flavor or ease.
Final Thoughts and a Call to Action
Whether you’ve had a demanding day like my jury duty experience, or you’re simply looking for an effortless yet impressive meal to enjoy during the warmer months, these Open-Faced Chicken Sandwiches with Artichoke Pesto are an absolute winner. They are simple to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and versatile enough to suit various tastes. This recipe has not only converted me into an artichoke enthusiast but has also become a reliable staple in my kitchen for its ease and deliciousness.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the wonderful blend of flavors for yourself. Don’t be shy about experimenting with the pesto or adding your favorite toppings. And if you’re always on the lookout for great deals, make sure to keep an eye out for any current giveaways we might be hosting – you never know what fantastic prizes await!
Enjoy making and savoring these delightful sandwiches!