For the Flavorful Chicken

• ▢ 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 1 pound, for tender and juicy cutlets
• ▢ 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning a fragrant blend of herbs to infuse classic Italian flavor
• ▢ salt to taste, enhances all the natural flavors
• ▢ freshly cracked black pepper to taste, for a subtle heat and aroma
• ▢ 1 tablespoon avocado oil or other high smoke point oil for searing

For Assembling the Ultimate Sandwiches

• ▢ 4 ciabatta rolls sliced in half horizontally, the perfect sturdy bread for toasting
• ▢ 4 tablespoons mayonnaise divided, optional, adds a creamy richness to one side
• ▢ ⅓ cup pesto divided, a vibrant burst of basil, garlic, and pine nut flavor
• ▢ 6 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced, for creamy, gooey meltiness
• ▢ 4 Roma tomatoes sliced, for freshness and a touch of acidity
• ▢ avocado oil for brushing the outside of the sandwiches for an extra crisp exterior

• Begin by preparing your chicken. Place 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, totaling approximately 1 pound, onto a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally through the middle to create two thinner, evenly-sized chicken cutlets. This technique ensures faster and more even cooking. If any areas are thicker than others, gently pound them with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until all cutlets are uniform in thickness.
• Next, it’s time to season the chicken for maximum flavor. Generously sprinkle 1 tablespoon of aromatic Italian seasoning, along with salt to taste, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, over all sides of the chicken cutlets. Ensure they are well coated to absorb all the delicious herby goodness. Set the seasoned chicken aside momentarily to allow the flavors to meld.
• Heat a large skillet (a cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for an even sear) over medium-high heat. Once the pan is warm to the touch, add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil, or another high smoke point oil. Swirl the pan gently to ensure the oil is distributed across the entire cooking surface. Continue heating the pan until the oil is hot and shimmers, indicating it’s ready for searing.
• Carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on one side, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Then, flip each cutlet over and sear for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 160° Fahrenheit. Use an internal meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
  
• Once the chicken has reached its target internal temperature and is cooked through, carefully transfer the flavorful cutlets to a large plate. Allow them to rest for a few minutes while you prepare the bread. Resting the chicken helps to keep it tender and juicy.
• Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), place the halved ciabatta rolls with the cut sides facing down. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your skillet, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Toast the ciabatta rolls for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they turn a light golden color and become slightly crispy. This creates a delicious foundation for your sandwich. Remove the toasted rolls from the skillet and set them aside, repeating with any remaining rolls.
  
• After toasting all the ciabatta rolls, set them aside. Keep the skillet warm over medium heat; you’ll use it again shortly to finish assembling and heating your sandwiches.

To Expertly Assemble the Sandwiches

• Return the toasted ciabatta rolls to your clean cutting board. Arrange them with the golden, toasted insides facing up, ready for layering.
• For each sandwich, spread about 1 tablespoon of creamy mayonnaise over one half of a ciabatta roll. You’ll use 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise in total if preparing all four sandwiches. Ensure the mayonnaise is spread evenly to cover the entire surface of the roll, providing a rich, savory base. This step is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
• On the other ciabatta roll half for each sandwich, generously spread about 1 ¼ tablespoons of vibrant pesto. This will utilize the full ⅓ cup of pesto. Make sure the aromatic pesto covers the entire surface, ensuring a burst of herbaceous flavor with every bite.
  
• Now, layer the cooked chicken. Place one perfectly seared chicken cutlet on top of each ciabatta half that is coated with mayonnaise. This pairing creates a delightful savory combination that will form the core of your sandwich.
  
• Add the cheese! Arrange about 1 ½ ounces of fresh, sliced mozzarella on top of each chicken cutlet. For four sandwiches, you will use a total of 6 ounces of fresh mozzarella. The mozzarella will melt beautifully, adding a creamy, rich texture to your finished sandwich.
  
• Crown the mozzarella with fresh tomato slices. Use approximately one sliced Roma tomato per sandwich, utilizing all 4 Roma tomatoes. The juicy, slightly acidic tomatoes provide a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the chicken, pesto, and cheese.
  
• Finally, complete your sandwiches by placing the ciabatta halves that are covered in pesto on top of the tomato layer. Position them so the pesto side faces inwards, directly onto the tomato and cheese. This ensures the pesto’s flavor is prominent within the sandwich.
• Lightly brush the top exterior of each assembled sandwich with a small amount of avocado oil. This will help create a beautifully crispy and golden-brown crust when toasted. Carefully place the sandwiches into your still-warm skillet, with the oiled side facing down.
• Cook each sandwich in the skillet for approximately 2 minutes on the first side, pressing down gently if desired (or use a panini press for even more compression). Then, carefully flip the sandwiches over and cook for another 2 minutes. Continue cooking until the mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted and gooey, and the entire sandwich is thoroughly warmed through and golden brown on both sides. Remove the irresistible sandwiches from the skillet and serve them immediately for the best bistro-style experience!

• Leftovers: If you happen to have any glorious leftover sandwiches, they can be refrigerated. For optimal taste and texture, consume them within one day of preparation. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: For the absolute best reheating results, we recommend wrapping your leftover sandwiches tightly in aluminum foil. Then, place them in an oven preheated to around 300-325°F (150-160°C) and heat until the cheese is re-melted and the food is warmed through. This method helps the bread retain its crispness and prevents it from becoming soggy, unlike microwave reheating.
• Advance Prep: To save time, you can cook the chicken cutlets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This makes assembling the sandwiches a quick and easy task when you’re ready to enjoy them!