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Get ready for a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors with this delightful Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tender grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and zesty pesto, all nestled in a toasted ciabatta roll. This sandwich brings the classic Italian caprese salad to a hearty meal, and the best part is how incredibly easy it is to prepare for a quick summer lunch or dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich
This amazing Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich offers so many reasons to become your new favorite recipe.
- It’s incredibly flavorful, healthy, and satisfying, hitting all the right notes.
- Perfect for quick summer meals when you want something delicious without much fuss.
- You can easily customize and adapt it with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand.
- It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks.
- This sandwich combines classic Italian flavors in a fresh and exciting way.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for crafting your perfect Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. You’ll love how fresh and readily available everything is, making meal prep a breeze.
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 ciabatta rolls
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (8-ounce) ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 (8-ounce) beefsteak tomatoes, sliced
- 20 to 24 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
Notes & Substitutions
For the chicken, feel free to use chicken tenders or thighs if you prefer; just adjust grilling time. Italian seasoning, a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, can also offer various health benefits, including antioxidant properties. You can switch up the Italian seasoning with dried oregano, thyme, or a pinch of garlic powder for a different herb profile. Ciabatta rolls offer a fantastic chew, but crusty sourdough, focaccia, or even whole wheat rolls work well. Fresh mozzarella is key, but smoked mozzarella or provolone adds a nice twist. Choose ripe beefsteak tomatoes for maximum flavor and juiciness, though any large slicing tomato works.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to create this delicious Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich.
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Shallow dish for marinating
- Tongs
- Instant-read thermometer
- Cutting board and knife
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich in no time. This recipe is designed for busy parents and beginners, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating 4 thin filets. Sandwich each piece between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to beat it to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining 3 filets. In a shallow dish, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in the dish and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. Marinating adds flavor and keeps the chicken tender.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. This ensures a good sear and easy flipping.
- Grill Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook on one side for 3 minutes, then flip and cook on the other side for 3 minutes. Try not to move the chicken while it cooks except for flipping once. The chicken should be cooked through, golden with grill marks, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. According to the USDA, cooking chicken to 165°F (74°C) ensures it is safe to eat. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Toast Rolls: While the chicken is grilling or resting, lightly toast the ciabatta rolls. Place them cut-side down on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes. This creates a slightly crispy texture and prevents the bread from getting soggy.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of pesto on the bottom half of each toasted ciabatta roll (about a tablespoon per roll). Add a layer of fresh mozzarella slices, then a layer of ripe tomato slices. Place a piece of grilled chicken on each sandwich. Finish off the sandwich with 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired. Place the other half of the roll on top, completing your perfect Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich.
- Serve Immediately: This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Its flavors are most vibrant when everything is warm and the cheese is slightly softened.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results for your Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich with these helpful pointers.
- Don’t over-marinate chicken; 8 hours is the maximum.
- Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill, which can lower the temperature and steam the chicken.
- Always rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes; this keeps it juicy.
- Toast rolls for a better texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; a pinch more salt or pepper can make a difference.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve your fantastic Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich with a simple green salad for a light meal. A side of crispy potato chips provides a satisfying crunch. For a heartier option, offer a light pasta salad alongside.
Storage
Store any leftover grilled chicken separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store the sliced tomatoes and mozzarella in their own separate container. For best results, assemble your sandwiches fresh just before eating. To reheat the chicken, place it in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes, then assemble your sandwich.
Variations
- Bread: Try focaccia, sourdough, or even a crusty baguette.
- Cheese: Use provolone, burrata, or even a smoked gouda for a different flavor.
- Veggies: Add roasted red peppers, spinach, or thinly sliced red onion.
- Sauce: Experiment with a garlic aioli, sun-dried tomato spread, or olive tapenade.
- Spicy: Sprinkle a few red pepper flakes into the chicken marinade or over the finished sandwich.
Nutrition Information
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and preparation methods. This Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich provides a good source of lean protein from the chicken. It also offers vitamins and minerals from the fresh tomatoes and basil. The olive oil and mozzarella contribute healthy fats.
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 100mg |
| Sodium | 950mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 40g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I bake or pan-fry the chicken? Yes, you can! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or pan-fry in a skillet with a little olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
- What if I don’t have a grill? Use a grill pan on your stovetop, or bake/pan-fry the chicken as suggested above. You can also toast the rolls under the broiler.
- Can I make these Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches ahead? It’s best to assemble them fresh. You can marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, then slice your cheese and tomatoes.
- Is balsamic glaze necessary? No, it’s optional but highly recommended. The glaze adds a lovely tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the other flavors.
- What kind of tomatoes are best? Ripe beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes are ideal for their size and juiciness. Cherry tomatoes cut in half can work in a pinch.
Conclusion
This incredible Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich brings together the fresh, vibrant tastes of summer in a simple, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious, healthy, and easy to make. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of tender grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Don’t forget to leave us stars and a comment below; we love hearing from you!
Equipment
- Grill (gas or charcoal) For grilling chicken and toasting rolls
- Meat mallet or rolling pin For pounding chicken evenly
- Shallow dish For marinating chicken
- Tongs To flip chicken on the grill
- Instant-read thermometer To check doneness of chicken
- cutting board and knife For slicing and assembling
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin filets. Pound each to 1/4-inch thickness between parchment. In a shallow dish, whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken, cover, and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken for 3 minutes per side, flipping once, until golden and cooked to 165°F internally. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
- While chicken grills or rests, toast ciabatta rolls cut-side down on grill for 1–2 minutes until lightly crisp.
- Spread pesto on bottom half of each roll. Layer mozzarella, tomatoes, grilled chicken, basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using). Top with remaining roll half.
- Serve immediately while warm and fresh. Enjoy the summer flavors!
