Description
Experience the delightful combination of grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil in a Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. It’s a quick, gourmet treat perfect for any meal occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ciabatta rolls (substitute gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option)
- ¼ cup pesto, store-bought or homemade
- 1 (8-ounce) ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 (8-ounce) beefsteak tomatoes, sliced
- 20–24 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting horizontally through the middle, creating two thinner pieces from each breast.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Brush this mixture over both sides of the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well-coated with the seasonings.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
- Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the ciabatta rolls in half horizontally and toast them if desired.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of pesto on the bottom half of each roll.
- Layer each sandwich with sliced grilled chicken, 2-3 slices of mozzarella, 2-3 slices of tomato, and 5-6 basil leaves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using, then close the sandwich.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the cheese is starting to soften from the heat.
Notes
- Pound the chicken to even thickness instead of butterflying if you prefer. This ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
- Use homemade pesto for the freshest flavor by blending basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
- For a lighter option, replace ciabatta with whole grain bread or a lettuce wrap.
- Add a layer of avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Wrap the sandwich loosely in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes if reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: N/A