Name: Chicken Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 chicken breast; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt; Black pepper; Olive oil; 2 ciabatta rolls, or bread of choice; 4 ounces fresh mozzarella; 1 ripe tomato; 3 tablespoons basil pesto; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze (optional); Salt; Black pepper; Olive oil

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Sink your teeth into the perfect fusion of savory, creamy, and fresh with this Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Juicy grilled chicken, luscious fresh mozzarella, vibrant ripe tomatoes, herby pesto, and fragrant basil come together between golden, toasted ciabatta rolls for a handheld masterpiece you’ll want to enjoy at every meal. Whether served warm from the grill or packed for a picnic, this sandwich captures the breezy charm of Italian cuisine in every bite.

Chicken Caprese Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients, you can create layers of flavor and color that make the Chicken Caprese Sandwich truly special. Each element has its own role to play, from juicy chicken to crusty bread and bright basil—don’t overlook even the smallest detail!

Ciabatta rolls or bread of choice: Choose ciabatta for its rustic crust and airy crumb; it stands up beautifully to hearty fillings.
Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is tender and soaks up Italian herbs, creating the flavor-packed foundation for your sandwich.
Italian seasoning: A vibrant blend of herbs gives the chicken a classic Mediterranean aroma and flavor.
Fresh mozzarella: Soft, creamy, and perfectly mild, mozzarella adds richness that pairs perfectly with both chicken and tomatoes.
Ripe tomato: Opt for a juicy, ripe tomato—Roma or heirloom varieties are particularly flavorful in this sandwich.
Basil pesto: A swipe of pesto infuses every bite with nutty, garlicky, herby magic.
Fresh basil leaves: A handful of basil leaves brings garden-fresh aroma and a pop of verdant color.
Balsamic glaze (optional): This sweet-tart drizzle takes the Chicken Caprese Sandwich to the next level but is completely optional.
Salt: Essential for seasoning; a pinch brings out the flavors of every ingredient.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds subtle warmth and complexity.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil to grill the chicken and crisp the bread, adding just the right amount of richness.

How to Make Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by laying your chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Sprinkle both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This quick but important step infuses the chicken with herby, aromatic flavor and ensures every bite of your Chicken Caprese Sandwich is anything but plain.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Heat up your grill or grill pan over medium-high, drizzle a little olive oil, and lay the seasoned chicken breast down. Let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping just once, for that beautiful golden crust. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F—this is your ticket to juicy, safe-to-eat chicken! Once done, let it rest for a minute or two so the juices stay put and then slice it into thin strips.

Step 3: Slice the Mozzarella and Tomato

While the chicken sizzles away, grab your mozzarella and tomato. Slice both into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick rounds. The mozzarella should be creamy but sturdy enough to hold its shape, and the tomato should be as ripe as possible for optimal juiciness and flavor.

Step 4: Toast the Ciabatta

As the chicken finishes up and rests, slice your ciabatta rolls in half. Lower the grill to medium and lay the cut sides down for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Prefer the oven? Place the cut sides up under the broiler for the same amount of time. This step creates a toasty surface that stands up to luscious pesto and juices from the fillings.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Now comes the fun part! Spread a hearty layer of basil pesto over the bottom half of the toasted ciabatta. Next, tuck in those warm chicken strips, followed by sliced mozzarella and tomato rounds. Sprinkle with a pinch more salt and pepper. Add a flurry of fresh basil leaves and, for a burst of tangy-sweet depth, finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze if you like. Crown with the top half of the roll and get ready to enjoy your Chicken Caprese Sandwich!

How to Serve Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Garnishes

A little finishing touch goes a long way. Try adding extra basil leaves or a final swirl of balsamic glaze on top of the assembled sandwich. A crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances both visual appeal and flavor, making your Chicken Caprese Sandwich look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This sandwich shines alongside simple sides. Pair with crisp chips, a chilled pasta salad, or a bright green salad for a well-rounded meal. For something cozy, oven-roasted potatoes or a bowl of tomato soup turn your Chicken Caprese Sandwich into hearty comfort food.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the sandwiches into halves or even quarters for a party platter that’s both colorful and easy to share. Want a picnic vibe? Wrap each Chicken Caprese Sandwich tightly in parchment and twine. For a weeknight dinner, try serving the fillings open-faced or as sliders for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken Caprese Sandwich components, store the bread, chicken, and toppings separately where possible. Keep chicken and mozzarella in airtight containers in the fridge, and tomatoes and basil wrapped in paper towels to avoid sogginess. Assemble fresh for the best flavor and texture!

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked chicken breast by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in a freezer bag, it’s best to keep the bread and delicate toppings separate. Avoid freezing mozzarella or tomatoes, as their texture suffers in the cold. Thaw chicken completely before reheating and assembling your Chicken Caprese Sandwich.

Reheating

To gently rewarm the chicken, microwave in short bursts or heat in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil. Toast the bread fresh each time for maximum crunch, and layer on cold mozzarella, tomato, and basil just before serving to capture the classic freshness of a Chicken Caprese Sandwich.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of bread for my Chicken Caprese Sandwich?

Absolutely! While ciabatta offers wonderful texture and flavor, focaccia, baguette, or even a hearty sandwich roll are terrific alternatives. Just make sure your bread of choice can hold up to the juicy fillings.

How do I make the chicken extra juicy?

Start with high-quality chicken breast, don’t overcook it, and always let it rest after grilling. Marinating the chicken briefly in olive oil and Italian seasoning can also lock in moisture and add flavor.

Can I make my own pesto?

Homemade basil pesto is a breeze and brings a deeply fresh, aromatic punch to your Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Blend together fresh basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon for a custom twist.

Is there a good vegetarian version of this sandwich?

Definitely! Swap the chicken breast for thick slices of grilled eggplant, portobello mushrooms, or even a fried green tomato. All the classic Caprese flavors will still shine.

What’s the best way to pack a Chicken Caprese Sandwich for lunch?

To avoid sogginess, pack pesto and balsamic glaze separately, and assemble just before eating. Wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment or reusable wrap to hold it together. Keep basil and tomatoes between layers of cheese and meat to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for a fresh, flavor-packed meal that comes together with almost no fuss, you truly can’t go wrong with a Chicken Caprese Sandwich. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and enjoy all those layers of goodness in every bite. This recipe is destined to become one of your lunchtime or dinner favorites!

Chicken Caprese Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Chicken Caprese Sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic glaze served on toasted ciabatta rolls. It’s a perfect combination of flavors for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Season and Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breast with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Rest and slice.
Prepare Ingredients: Slice the mozzarella and tomato. Toast the ciabatta on the grill or in a pan.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread pesto on the bottom half of each ciabatta. Layer with chicken, mozzarella, tomato, salt, pepper, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling, Toasting
Cuisine: Italian