This chicken Caprese sandwich is easy to make and full of flavor, with grilled chicken breast placed on a crispy ciabatta bread with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic.
If you enjoy Caprese salad, you’ll adore this chicken Caprese sandwich. This grilled chicken sandwich combines the fresh summer tastes of a Caprese salad with a protein and fiber boost, making it ideal for a nutritious, quick and simple lunch.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
- Ciabatta Roll: I think this rustic Italian loaf is ideal for a Caprese sandwich, but you can use any tiny sandwich loaf or plain sliced bread instead.
- Chicken Breast: Grilled chicken breasts offer a protein boost to the sandwich; you can also use chicken thighs if you like. This sandwich is also an excellent way to repurpose leftover chicken.
- Italian Seasoning: To season the chicken breasts for grilling, use Italian seasoning.
- Tomatoes: Any fresh tomatoes will do in a Caprese sandwich in the summer. If tomatoes are out of season, seek for heritage, Roma, or beefsteak varieties.
- Mozzarella: The headliner of this Caprese sandwich is thick slices of mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella, which is supple, juicy, milky, and creamy, yields the greatest results.
- Basil: To finish the Caprese, add a few fresh basil leaves.
- Pesto: A thin layer of pesto to complement the basil tastes.
- Balsamic Glaze: For a touch of richness, sprinkle with balsamic glaze, a reduction produced of balsamic vinegar.
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free ciabatta roll or gluten-free bread.
- Make it Vegetarian: Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken or substituting grilled tofu.
WHAT IS FRESH MOZZARELLA CHEESE?
Mozzarella is undoubtedly the most well-known Italian cheese, but you might be shocked to hear that it comes in a wide range of forms, textures, sizes, and tastes. While originally prepared from Italian buffalo’s milk, mozzarella is also routinely manufactured from whole cow’s milk and, in some locations, goat’s and sheep’s milk.
Fresh mozzarella is called classic mozzarella and is offered in containers or bags in brine, whey, or water solution. This pillowy soft, brilliant white cheese has a milky, creamy texture as well as a mild, somewhat sweet flavor. In a Caprese salad, fresh mozzarella cheese is most usually used.
In addition to fresh mozzarella, which is rich in moisture, low-moisture mozzarella, commonly known as “regular mozzarella” in North America, is available. This type of mozzarella cheese is often offered wrapped in plastic, without liquid or brine, and is manufactured by soaking fresh Mozzarella for a bit longer before drying. While it can be used in Caprese salads and sandwiches, its texture will not be as soft as fresh mozzarella.
WHERE TO FIND FRESH MOZZARELLA?
Fresh mozzarella is available at most major supermarkets, specialist Italian food stores, and independent cheese shops. Fresh mozzarella comes in a variety of varieties, so in addition to “fresh mozzarella,” seek for Fior di Latte, Mozzarella di Bufala, stracciatella, burrata, bocconcini, ovoline, and nodini mozzarella.
HOW TO MAKE A CHICKEN CAPRESE SANDWICH
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Season the chicken breasts well with Italian spice. Allow the chicken to marinate for more flavor if time allows.
- Cook the chicken on the grill. Place your chicken breasts on the grill and cook until done, then slice.
- Slice the tomato and the mozzarella. Slice the tomatoes and chese while the chicken is frying.
- The bread should be toasted. While toasting the bread is optional, I think it adds a nice crunchy texture to the sandwich, which contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese.
- Make the sandwich. When all of your ingredients are ready, arrange them on the bread to produce a wonderful summer-inspired Caprese sandwich.
TIPS FOR THE BEST CHICKEN CAPRESE SANDWICH
Prepare the chicken by marinating it. Allow your chicken breasts to marinate before grilling for the best taste. If you’re in a hurry, you may grill them right away after seasoning, but the longer you leave them to marinade, the richer the flavor will be.
Make use of fresh mozzarella. Although any type of mozzarella will work, fresh mozzarella has a softer and more melty feel.
Make use of ripe tomatoes. Choose fresh, ripe, and seasonal tomatoes whenever feasible. Ripe tomatoes, regardless of kind, will provide the most flavor to the sandwich.
Make use of fresh bread. The better the sandwich, the fresher the bread. While ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough bread are recommended, any high-quality bread will do; just make sure it’s fresh.
Make use of fresh pesto. Make sure to use fresh pesto for an additional basil taste. While canned shelf-stable pesto will work, handmade or store-bought pesto has a much brighter taste.
FAQS
What is a Caprese sandwich made of?
A Caprese salad is an Italian salad composed of sliced fresh mozzarella, sliced whole tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper that may also be placed on bread to make a Caprese sandwich.
Is a chicken Caprese sandwich healthy?
Yes! A Caprese sandwich is high in protein, fiber, complex carbs, and healthy fats, making it a well-balanced meal ideal for a light lunch or dinner.
STORAGE AND REHEATING
To Store: Once cooked, the sandwich may be saved for 3-5 days in a sandwich bag, plastic wrap, or an airtight container. If refrigerating, leave the bread untoasted.
I would not recommend freezing this sandwich.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES TO TRY IT
- Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Honey Mustard Chicken
- Baked Lemon Pasta With Seared Chicken
- Caprese Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 ciabatta rolls or bread of choice
- 1 chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 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
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken breast liberally with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on a cutting board.
- Place the chicken breast on a grill or in a grill pan with a sprinkle of olive oil over medium-high heat and cook for 5-6 minutes each side, flipping just once, until cooked through or an internal temperature of 165 oF is attained. Remove off the grill and lay aside for 1-2 minutes to rest before slicing into thin strips.
- Meanwhile, slice the mozzarella and tomato into 1/4-1/2-inch thick slices and leave them.
- When the chicken is done and resting, split the ciabatta in half, decrease the heat to medium, and set the bread, cut side down, on the grill or pan for 1-2 minutes until golden. Remove from the pan and set aside after done. (Alternatively, preheat the oven to broil and toast the ciabatta, cut side up, for 1-2 minutes.)
- Assemble your sandwich by spreading pesto on the bottom half of each toasted ciabatta, then layering with sliced chicken, sliced mozzarella, tomato slices, a sprinkling of salt & pepper, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if preferred.