Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Posted October 10, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

Filled with grilled chicken breast, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic, this chicken Caprese sandwich is a delightful creation. It’s not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. Caprese sandwich with grilled chicken on Italian bread on a cutting board

If you’re a fan of Caprese salad, you’re in for a treat with this chicken Caprese sandwich. It incorporates all the fresh summer flavors of a Caprese salad while adding a healthy dose of protein and fiber, making it an ideal choice for a quick and wholesome lunch.

Moreover, it serves as a fantastic way to utilize leftover grilled chicken and can be conveniently prepared in advance for office lunches, hiking trips, summer picnics, flights, or road journeys.

Ingredients for a chicken caprese sandwich; grilled chicken breasts, sliced mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, pesto, basil leaves, grilled ciabatta

Essential Ingredients

To craft this effortless grilled chicken Caprese sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ciabatta Roll: While a rustic Italian loaf is the perfect choice, any small sandwich loaf or regular sliced bread will suffice.
Chicken Breast: Opt for grilled chicken breasts for an extra protein punch, or consider chicken thighs as an alternative. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken.
Italian Seasoning: Use it to season the chicken breasts for grilling.
Tomatoes: During the summer months, any fresh tomatoes will work, but if they’re out of season, look for heirloom, Roma, or beefsteak tomatoes.
Mozzarella: Thick slices of fresh mozzarella are the star of this sandwich, offering a tender, juicy, milky, and creamy experience.
Basil: Add a few fresh basil leaves to complete the Caprese ensemble.
Pesto: A modest spread of pesto enhances the basil’s flavors.
Balsamic Glaze: While optional, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, made from balsamic vinegar reduction, adds a touch of richness.

Additionally, you’ll need olive oil, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.

Dietary Variations

Customize the sandwich to your dietary preferences:
Make it Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free ciabatta roll or gluten-free bread.

Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken or replace it with grilled tofu. Toasted ciabatta rolls with pesto

Frequently Asked Questions

What Constitutes a Caprese Sandwich?

A Caprese sandwich mirrors the Italian salad, comprising sliced fresh mozzarella, whole tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These ingredients can also be layered onto bread to craft a Caprese sandwich.

Is a Chicken Caprese Sandwich Nutritious?

Absolutely! A Chicken Caprese sandwich provides protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a well-balanced meal suitable for a healthy lunch or dinner.

Understanding Fresh Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is perhaps Italy’s most renowned cheese, available in various shapes, textures, sizes, and flavors. Traditionally crafted from Italian buffalo’s milk, mozzarella can also be made from cow’s, goat’s, and sheep’s milk in specific regions.

Fresh mozzarella, the type typically used in Caprese salads, is sold in brine, whey, or water solution in containers or bags. This soft, snowy-white cheese boasts a milky, creamy texture and a mild, slightly sweet taste.

Additionally, you’ll encounter low-moisture mozzarella, often referred to as “regular mozzarella” in North America. This variety is commonly sold without liquid or brine and is produced by allowing fresh mozzarella to sour a bit longer before drying it out. While it can be utilized in both Caprese salads and sandwiches, it won’t exhibit the same softness as fresh mozzarella.

Where to Find Fresh Mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella can be sourced from major grocery stores, specialty Italian food shops, and independent cheese retailers. It’s available in various forms, so besides seeking “fresh mozzarella,” look for Fior di Latte, Mozzarella di Bufala, stracciatella, burrata, bocconcini, ovoline, and nodini mozzarella.

Chicken caprese sandwich on a wood cutting board with a toothpick and fresh basil on top

How to Assemble a Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Creating a chicken Caprese sandwich is straightforward. Follow these steps:

Season the Chicken: Generously coat the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, and if time allows, marinate for enhanced flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts until perfectly cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Once done, slice them thinly.
Slice Tomatoes and Mozzarella: While the chicken is cooking, slice the tomatoes and cheese.
Toast the Bread: To add a delightful crispy texture, consider toasting the bread, which complements the creamy cheese wonderfully.
Assemble the Sandwich: Once all your ingredients are ready, layer them onto the bread to craft a delectable summer-inspired Caprese sandwich.

Refer to the recipe card below for detailed cooking instructions.

Nutrition Tip

If you believe sandwiches are unhealthy, think again! When crafted using real, wholesome ingredients, sandwiches can serve as a quick, convenient, and nutritionally balanced meal. In fact, this chicken Caprese sandwich boasts ample fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.

Chicken caprese sandwich cut in half and stacked on top of each other on a cutting board

Tips for the Ultimate Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Elevate your sandwich game with these tips:
Marinate the Chicken: For maximum flavor, allow your chicken breasts to marinate before grilling. If time is limited, grilling them immediately after seasoning is acceptable, but longer marination yields deeper flavors.

Choose Fresh Mozzarella: While all types of mozzarella work, fresh mozzarella provides a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Opt for Ripe Tomatoes: Whenever possible, pick fresh, ripe, and seasonal tomatoes. Regardless of the variety, ripe tomatoes contribute the best flavor to the sandwich.

Select Fresh Bread: The fresher the bread, the better the sandwich. While ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough are recommended, any high-quality bread will suffice, as long as it’s fresh.

Utilize Fresh Pesto: For an extra burst of basil flavor, use fresh pesto. While jarred pesto can be used, fresh pesto, whether homemade or store-bought, imparts a brighter flavor.

Storage and Reheating

To Store: Once prepared, the sandwich can be stored in a sandwich bag, plastic wrap, or an airtight container for 3-5 days. If refrigerating, it’s best to keep the bread untoasted.

To Freeze: Freezing this sandwich is not recommended.

Chicken Caprese Sandwich

This quick, easy, and protein-packed chicken Caprese sandwich is perfect for a healthy lunch or simple dinner.

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

Place the chicken breast on a cutting board and season both sides generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
On a grill, or in a grill pan with a drizzle of olive oil, on medium-high heat, place the chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, turning only once, until cooked through or an internal temperature of 165 ºF is reached. Once cooked, remove from the grill and set aside to rest for 1-2 minutes, before slicing into thin strips.
While the chicken is cooking, slice the mozzarella and tomato into 1/4 – 1/2-inch thick slices and set aside.
Once the chicken is cooked and is resting, slice the ciabatta in half, reduce the grill to medium heat, and place the bread on the grill or pan, cut side down, for 1-2 minutes until golden. Once cooked, remove from the pan and set aside. (You can also turn an oven to broil and place the ciabatta in the oven, cut side up, for 1-2 minutes until toasted.)
Once the bread is toasted, assemble your sandwich; spread the bottom half of each toasted ciabatta with pesto, then layer with sliced chicken, sliced mozzarella, tomato slices, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired.