Pair this Chicken Caprese Sandwich with Apple Broccoli Salad, Baked Parmesan Ranch Potato Wedges, and a Blood Orange Aperol Spritz for a refreshing and delicious meal.
★ Why You'll Love this Recipe ★
Branch out beyond burgers on the grill. The same amount of effort required yet the result is a more lean, flavorful chicken sandwich with the flavors of summer.
Layers of Flavor
This caprese chicken sandwich features onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, beefsteak tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, pesto, and fresh basil all on toasted ciabatta bread. It's a combination that packs a lot of flavor with simple ingredients. Easy! And so yummy too.
More reasons to love this sandwich:
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The chicken breasts are perfectly cooked, well-seasoned, and flavorful.
- Burst of Freshness: The combination of fresh tomato slices, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese provides a burst of freshness to the sandwich.
- Cheese Texture: Layering mozzarella slices on one side of the ciabatta adds a satisfying creaminess to each bite.
- Pesto Infusion: The use of basil pesto on both sides of the ciabatta not only enhances the overall flavor but also adds a savory and herby note to the sandwich.
The chicken can be made on the grill or the stove top making this a great go-to dinner or lunch year-round.
We really enjoy this sandwich during the summer when fresh basil and garden tomatoes are plentiful. Don't have a garden? Check out a local farmers market.
★ Ingredients You'll Need ★
Here's a look at everything you'll need to make these caprese sandwiches:
- Chicken breast. Chicken is the main protein source in this recipe. Slicing it in half horizontally ensures that it cooks evenly and has a balanced texture. You can skip this step and start with chicken cutlets which have already been sliced for you. It's a nice time-saver.
- Chicken seasoning. Onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhances the chicken's natural flavors and provides a savory and well-seasoned base for the sandwich. To save time, try using an Italian dressing seasoning packet as the seasoning.
- Tomato. Sliced beefsteak tomatoes add a fresh and juicy element to the sandwich. They also add a burst of sweetness and acidity, which complements the savory chicken and rich mozzarella. If tomatoes are out of season or you just want to put a spin on this sandwich, sun-dried tomatoes in oil can be a flavorful alternative. Feel free to use any kind of ripe tomato — sliced campari tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes all work well with this sandwich.
- Mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella cheese provides a creamy texture to this sandwich. I highly recommend using fresh mozzarella for a soft and airy texture with mild flavor. You can also try smoked mozzarella for a hint of smokiness. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider using a plant-based alternative like vegan mozzarella.
- Pesto. Pesto is spread on both sides of the ciabatta and introduces a bold and aromatic basil flavor to the sandwich. It also adds moisture to the sandwich and complements the other ingredients.
If you don't have pesto, a basil aioli or simply fresh basil leaves and olive oil spread can be used. Or basil plus a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
We are using jarred pesto sauce, but you can certainly make your own. Check out my spinach pesto sauce recipe. - Ciabatta rolls. The choice of ciabatta rolls provides a sturdy yet soft base for the sandwich. Ciabatta's airy interior and crusty exterior hold up really well to the moist ingredients inside. No soggy bread! If ciabatta is not available, or you want a softer alternative, try a baguette, rustic Italian bread, or a more traditional kaiser roll or a much softer brioche bun.
- Basil. Sliced basil leaves add a fresh and aromatic element to the sandwich that truly is the essence of this chicken caprese sandwich. Fresh basil complements the pesto and enhances the overall freshness of the sandwich. If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, arugula or spinach can be used instead.
★ How to Make this Recipe ★
This sandwich comes together in just a few steps.
Here's a look at how it's made:
- Season chicken.
- Cook chicken.
- Slice ciabatta bread and lightly toast if desired.,
- Spread with pesto and layer with mozzarella cheese.
- Add tomatoes and fresh basil.
- Place the top bun and serve.
★ Tips & FAQs ★
How thick should I slice the tomatoes and mozzarella?
It's really up to you, but I recommend slicing each of them about ¼ inch thick. Thick slices add more flavor and moisture to this sandwich.
What kind of pesto should I use?
Homemade pesto is always a delicious option, but a good high-quality store-bought pesto works well too. When it comes to buying pesto, look for a pesto that's made with fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
What can I add to chicken pesto sandwiches?
You can customize this sandwich however you would like. Some popular ingredients you can add are roasted red peppers, sweet balsamic glaze, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, avocado, grilled onions, Italian dressing, and even a little olive oil! Go wild!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a sandwhich?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook. Be sure to choose boneless thighs.
Can I make a pesto sandwich that's vegetarian?
It's possible. You can omit the chicken and make a delicious vegetarian version of the sandwich by doubling up on the mozzarella cheese and adding some sliced avocado for extra creaminess. Try adding other veggies like bell peppers and onions as well. You can also replace the chicken with a sliced portabella mushroom. Season and cook it just like you would the chicken. Adjusting the cook time as needed.
What can I serve with Chicken Caprese Sandwich?
This sandwich pairs well with a salad, pasta salad, potato chips, or a bowl of soup such as tomato basil soup or minestrone soup.
How do I store leftover chicken pesto?
If you have any leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the sandwiches are already assembled and you want to reheat the chicken, do so separately. The chicken is good cold though, so no need to reheat.
Can I make a chicken pesto sandwich ahead of time?
This sandwich holds up pretty well for a couple hours if you want to pack it for a picnic. Prepare it, wrap it in plastic or paper, and chill until ready to enjoy!
★ More Sandwich Recipes ★
Want more sandwich ideas?
Browse all my easy sandwich recipes and Pin your favorites for later.
Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast sliced in half (2 chicken cutlets)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tomato sliced
- 4 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoon Pesto
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 sprigs fresh basil
- 2 ciabatta rolls lightly toast if desired.
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Instructions
- Slice chicken. Slicing chicken breast in half horizontally on a cutting board to create two thinner pieces.
- Season chicken. Dry chicken with a paper towel if needed to remove excess moisture then sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken. Add seasoned chicken to the grill or stove top skillet heated over medium-high heat. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Add pesto to rolls. Lightly toast rolls if desired. Place the ciabatta rolls on a flat surface. Spread a generous amount of basil pesto on both sides of each slice of bread.
- Add cheese, tomatoes, and fresh basil. On one side of the ciabatta, layer mozzarella slices. Next, add two slices of fresh tomatoes. Sprinkle fresh basil over the tomatoes. Season tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Add cooked chicken. Place cooked chicken cutlet on top of the tomato slices.
- Top sandwich and serve. Place the other half of the ciabatta on top. Slice the sandwich in half if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- basil aioli
- Fresh basil leaves with olive oil
- Fresh basil plus a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
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