Savory Open Face Chicken Sandwich with Zesty Artichoke Pesto: Your New Favorite Summer Meal
Life often throws unexpected curveballs, and sometimes, after a demanding day or a surprising turn of events, all you crave is a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to prepare. Take, for instance, my recent jury duty experience. What I anticipated would be a lengthy, draining two-week fraud trial happily concluded in a mere two hours! I arrived at 8:00 AM, mentally preparing for days of responsibility and intense deliberation, only to find myself back home by 10:00 AM. The case settled out of court, and the individual in question is now facing the consequences of their actions. While I’m immensely relieved not to have shouldered the weight of that decision, the mere thought of it underscored the importance of appreciating the simpler things, like a quick, delicious, and hassle-free meal. Returning home so unexpectedly early left me with a pleasant surprise and the perfect opportunity to whip up something special without the usual time constraints.
This delightful recipe for an open-face chicken sandwich with artichoke pesto came at just the right moment, offering a burst of fresh flavor and effortless preparation, perfectly suiting the mood of a suddenly free day.
Discovering the Delight of Artichoke Pesto
For a long time, I found myself on the fence when it came to artichoke hearts. They always seemed a bit intimidating, even for someone like me who loves a wide variety of vegetables. I’m not entirely sure why; perhaps it was their unique texture or distinct flavor profile that made me hesitant. I’d encountered them in various dips before, but they never truly won me over. However, in those instances, there were usually other ingredients in the dips that I wasn’t fond of, leaving me unsure if my aversion was truly to the artichoke itself.
But oh, how things have changed! I can now confidently say that I am a fan of artichokes, especially when transformed into this vibrant and incredibly flavorful pesto. What’s even more surprising is that my 8-year-old son, who can be quite particular about his greens, also gave his stamp of approval. (Don’t tell him I told you, though – we wouldn’t want to jinx it!). This unexpected discovery has opened up a whole new world of culinary possibilities for me, transforming a once-intimidating ingredient into a pantry staple.
The Genius of Artichoke Pesto and Why It’s Perfect for Summer
Making a pesto out of artichokes was never something I had considered, but it’s truly a brilliant idea. The artichoke pesto comes together incredibly fast, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of a food processor, you can create a fresh, zesty pesto in a matter of minutes. Just toss in your artichoke hearts, Parmesan, pine nuts, a touch of mayo and olive oil, garlic, and season with salt and pepper, then pulse until it reaches a beautiful, coarse consistency. It’s truly that simple!
These open-face chicken sandwiches are an absolute dream for summer dining. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and its ability to keep your kitchen cool. You can grill the chicken outdoors, avoiding the need to heat up your kitchen, which is a major win on a sweltering summer day. The grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor to the chicken, perfectly complementing the bright and tangy pesto.
Another fantastic benefit of this artichoke pesto is its versatility and excellent shelf life. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days, making it a fantastic component for meal prepping. Imagine having a ready-made spread to elevate your sandwiches, wraps, or even pasta dishes throughout the week! This means less time cooking and more time enjoying those precious summer evenings. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a casual dinner, or looking for an easy way to use up leftover grilled chicken, this recipe delivers on flavor, convenience, and health.
Beyond the Sandwich: The Versatility of Artichoke Pesto
While this pesto is the star of our open-face chicken sandwich, its uses extend far beyond. Its vibrant, savory, and slightly tangy flavor profile makes it a fantastic addition to numerous dishes. Consider tossing it with your favorite pasta for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, or spreading it on a pita or flatbread as a base for a gourmet pizza. It can also serve as a delicious dip for fresh vegetables, crackers, or a dollop alongside scrambled eggs for a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast. The combination of tender artichoke hearts, sharp Parmesan, fragrant pine nuts, and garlic creates a truly unique and irresistible condiment that you’ll want to keep on hand at all times.
Making your own pesto allows you to control the freshness and quality of ingredients, ensuring a superior taste compared to store-bought varieties. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to know you’ve created such a flavorful component from scratch with minimal effort. This easy artichoke pesto recipe truly showcases how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
Tips for Grilling Perfect Chicken Breasts
To ensure your open-face chicken sandwiches are a resounding success, perfectly grilled chicken is key. Start by cutting your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This not only speeds up cooking time but also ensures more even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. A well-heated surface is crucial for achieving that beautiful sear and preventing the chicken from sticking. Lightly coat your pan or grill grates with non-stick spray or a high-smoke point oil. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken. A juicy, tender chicken cutlet is the ideal canvas for our flavorful artichoke pesto.
Oh, before you dive into this fantastic recipe, did you remember to enter the giveaway for a $500 gift card to amazon.com yet? It’s a great opportunity to treat yourself after preparing such a delicious meal!
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 generously with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat or preheat your grill. Coat the cooking surface with non-stick spray or a little olive oil. Add chicken, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden and cooked through.
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To prepare the vibrant artichoke pesto, combine the drained artichoke hearts, 3 Tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, light mayo, olive oil, and minced garlic in a small food processor. Add the remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Pulse the mixture several times until it’s coarsely ground and well combined.
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Lightly toast your slices of whole grain bread. This can be done in a toaster, under a broiler for a few minutes (watch carefully!), or for an extra summery touch, quickly over a grill.
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To assemble, spread approximately 2 1/2 Tablespoons of the homemade artichoke pesto evenly over each toasted slice of bread. Top with about 3 oz of the perfectly sliced grilled chicken. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For those who enjoy a little heat, a few crushed red pepper flakes can be added as an optional touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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