Sandwiches are one of my favourite “real life” lunches; quick, portable, and easy to adapt to whatever you have in the fridge. I’m always experimenting with fillings that feel indulgent but still support protein goals, and this Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Sandwich is one of those combinations that surprises people in the best way.
If you’re new here, you’ll notice a recurring ingredient in my recipes: cottage cheese. I use it a lot because it’s high in protein, naturally creamy, and works beautifully in savoury dishes. From a nutrition coaching perspective, it’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade a sandwich filling without relying on heavy sauces. And if you’re not a cottage cheese fan, I genuinely encourage you to try this, once it’s mixed with pesto and chicken, you won’t even notice it.
This filling works just as well for a grilled chicken pesto sandwich, pesto chicken panini, or even as mini pesto chicken sliders for entertaining.
Ingredients
For 2 sandwiches filling:
- 2 tbsp cottage cheese
Adds creaminess and protein.
Sub: Greek yoghurt, ricotta, or cream cheese. - 1 tsp pesto
Brings flavour and richness.
Sub: Basil paste, sun-dried tomato pesto, or homemade pesto. - 100 g shredded chicken
Main protein source.
Sub: Grilled chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, turkey, or tofu. - 1 cup chopped spinach
Adds fibre and micronutrients.
Sub: Rocket, kale, or mixed greens. - 20 g feta cheese
Adds tang and saltiness.
Sub: Goat’s cheese, mozzarella, or omit. - 40 g chopped cherry tomatoes
Freshness and texture.
Sub: Roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes. - Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: wholemeal thins or ciabatta
Sub: Sourdough, wraps, bagels, or sliders.
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Mix the filling
Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until well combined.
Coach tip: Shred the chicken finely so the filling spreads easily and feels more “creamy”.
Step 2: Build your sandwich
Spoon about ¼ of the mixture per thin or generously onto your bread of choice.
Coach tip: For a chicken ciabatta sandwich recipe, slightly hollow the bread so the filling doesn’t spill.
Step 3: Toast or grill
Toast each side of the sandwich in a pan, sandwich press, or air fryer.
Coach tip: This becomes a pesto chicken grilled cheese if you add extra cheese before toasting.
Step 4: Serve
Serve warm, or enjoy cold as a protein-packed lunch.
Coach tip: The filling also works perfectly as a standalone salad.
Tips and Variations
- Turn into a grilled pesto chicken sandwich by using thick sourdough and grilling in butter.
- Make a pesto chicken panini with mozzarella and ciabatta.
- Serve as chicken pesto sliders for parties.
- Use in wraps for a portable chicken cottage cheese lunch.
- Add avocado for healthy fats.
- Use leftover roast chicken for easy meal prep.
Storage, Serving and Reheating
Storage:
Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving ideas:
- On toast for lunch.
- In wraps or bagels.
- As a salad with extra greens.
Reheating:
Best eaten fresh or lightly toasted. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the bread too much.
Final Thoughts
If you try this Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Sandwich, leave a comment with your favourite bread choice; sourdough, ciabatta, wraps, or sliders?
This is one of those recipes that proves healthy food doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s creamy, satisfying, and genuinely practical for everyday life.
Alex 🙂
Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Sandwich
Sandwiches are one of my favourite “real life” lunches – quick, portable, and easy to adapt to whatever you have in the fridge. I’m always experimenting with fillings that feel indulgent but still support protein goals, and this Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Sandwich is one of those combinations that surprises people in the best way.
If you’re new here, you’ll notice a recurring ingredient in my recipes: cottage cheese. I use it a lot because it’s high in protein, naturally creamy, and works beautifully in savoury dishes. From a nutrition coaching perspective, it’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade a sandwich filling without relying on heavy sauces. And if you’re not a cottage cheese fan, I genuinely encourage you to try this – once it’s mixed with pesto and chicken, you won’t even notice it.
Ingredients
Instructions
Mix the filling
-
Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix until well combined.
Build your sandwich
-
Spoon about ¼ of the mixture per thin or generously onto your bread of choice.
Toast or grill
-
Toast each side of the sandwich in a pan, sandwich press, or air fryer.
Serve
-
Serve warm, or enjoy cold as a protein-packed lunch.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 ServingCalories:164.17kcalTotal Fat:11.26gCholesterol:48.85mgSodium:258.8mgPotassium:249.88mgTotal Carbohydrate:2.59gDietary Fiber: 0.7gSugars: 0.94gProtein:12.95gVitamin C: 7.75mgCalcium: 88.76mgVitamin B12: 0.38mcg
Note
- Turn into a grilled pesto chicken sandwich by using thick sourdough and grilling in butter.
- Make a pesto chicken panini with mozzarella and ciabatta.
- Serve as chicken pesto sliders for parties.
- Use in wraps for a portable chicken cottage cheese lunch.
- Add avocado for healthy fats.
- Use leftover roast chicken for easy meal prep.
- Storage: Store the filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Best eaten fresh or lightly toasted. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the bread too much.
