Zesty Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich Recipe for Lunch Joy

Summertime calls for a mouthwatering grilled chicken caprese sandwich that bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Juicy chicken breasts meet creamy mozzarella in this irresistible creation.

The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly grilled meat creates a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.

Crisp ciabatta bread provides the ideal canvas for this delectable masterpiece.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, and herbaceous notes that transport you straight to an Italian coastal kitchen.

The layers of ingredients promise a restaurant-quality experience right at your dining table.

Prepare to elevate your sandwich game with this simple yet extraordinary recipe that will become your new summer favorite.

Tools That Help You Craft a Caprese Sandwich

• Grill: Essential for creating perfect char and flavor on chicken and buns.
• Grill tongs: Needed to safely handle and flip chicken on hot grates.
• Mallet: Crucial for pounding chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Shallow dish: Necessary for marinating chicken in seasoned olive oil.
• Whisk: Used to blend marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Required for preparing chicken and slicing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella evenly.
• Meat thermometer: Important to check chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Plate: Used for resting grilled chicken and assembling sandwich.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

What Makes Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches So Fresh

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the heart of the sandwich, choose fresh, plump cuts without discoloration or excessive moisture.
• Olive Oil: Helps marinate and tenderize chicken, adds richness and ensures even grilling with a silky texture.
• Italian Herb Seasoning: Infuses chicken with aromatic Mediterranean flavors, combining dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances chicken's natural taste, helps draw out moisture for better seasoning and caramelization.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground versions.

• Ciabatta Rolls: Rustic Italian bread with airy texture, creates crispy exterior and soft interior when grilled.
• Pesto: Zesty sauce made from basil, garlic, and olive oil, adds bright herbaceous notes to the sandwich.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully, choose fresh ball for best texture and flavor.
• Beefsteak Tomatoes: Juicy, meaty variety perfect for sandwiches, select ripe tomatoes with deep color and firm texture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that brings fresh, peppery brightness, use vibrant green leaves without bruising.

• Balsamic Glaze: Optional sweet-tangy syrup that adds elegant drizzle, intensifies overall sandwich complexity.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwiches

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken breasts horizontally into thin, even filets using a sharp knife. Gently flatten each piece to ensure uniform cooking and tenderness.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a zesty marinade with aromatic herbs and quality olive oil. Allow chicken to soak up the delicious flavors for maximum taste enhancement.

• Grilling Magic

Heat outdoor grill to a perfect sizzling temperature. Cook chicken until beautifully golden with appetizing char marks, ensuring complete doneness.

• Bread Transformation

Lightly toast ciabatta rolls to develop a crispy exterior and warm, soft interior that complements the juicy chicken.

• Sandwich Construction

Layer fresh ingredients with care – spread vibrant pesto, add creamy mozzarella, ripe tomato slices, perfectly grilled chicken, and fragrant basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch and complete the masterpiece by crowning with the top roll.

Tips to Keep Chicken Juicy and Mozzarella Melty

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking and tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully.
• Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or thyme to add unique flavor profiles to your chicken base.
• Replace mozzarella with fresh burrata or provolone for a delightful twist on the classic Caprese combination.
• Add grilled zucchini or roasted red peppers for extra nutritional value and a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
• Swap ciabatta rolls with gluten-free bread or use large lettuce leaves as a low-carb wrap alternative for a lighter meal.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Caprese Sandwiches

• Garden Party Plating: Create a vibrant summer lunch spread by arranging these sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with fresh basil sprigs and extra balsamic glaze for drizzling.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these sandwiches with crisp cucumber salad, chilled white wine, and fresh fruit for an elegant outdoor meal that's easy to transport and enjoy.
• Side Dish Companions: Serve alongside light summer sides like herbed pasta salad, roasted vegetable skewers, or a zesty arugula salad to complement the sandwich's rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Wine and Dine Suggestion: Pair with a cold pinot grigio or crisp sauvignon blanc to enhance the fresh basil and bright tomato notes of this gourmet grilled chicken sandwich.

How to Keep Your Caprese Sandwiches Tasty Later

• Quick Batch Prep: Marinate multiple chicken filets in advance and freeze individually wrapped portions for easy weeknight meals. Grab and grill these pre-seasoned chicken pieces within 3 months for maximum flavor and convenience.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep assembled sandwiches tightly wrapped in plastic or aluminum foil for maximum freshness. Consume within 2 days to maintain optimal taste and texture of ingredients like mozzarella and tomatoes.
• Smart Leftover Management: Separate sandwich components to prevent sogginess. Store grilled chicken, mozzarella, and tomatoes in separate airtight containers. Refresh bread by briefly toasting before reassembling to revive crisp texture.
• Lunch Prep Hack: Create chicken filets and slice ingredients ahead of time. Pack components separately in compartmentalized containers for simple, quick assembly during lunch breaks or picnic outings. This method keeps ingredients fresh and prevents bread from becoming soggy.

Delicious Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken caprese sandwich melds Italian flavors with summer freshness. Melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1½ lbs or 680 g)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian herb seasoning
• 0.5 tsp kosher salt
• 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ciabatta rolls
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) pesto, homemade or store-bought
• 1 ball (8 oz or 226 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 beefsteak tomatoes (8 oz or 226 g each), sliced
• 20–24 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsps balsamic glaze, optional

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice chicken breasts lengthwise and gently pound between parchment paper to create uniform 0.25-inch thick filets.
2. Marination: Whisk extra virgin olive oil with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken filets and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
3. Grilling Setup: Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high (375-400°F), lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Chicken Cooking: Grill filets for 3 minutes per side, achieving golden-brown exterior with distinct grill marks and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Resting Phase: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
6. Roll Preparation: Toast ciabatta rolls by placing cut-side down on grill for 1-2 minutes until edges crisp and lightly charred.
7. Sandwich Assembly: Spread basil pesto on bottom roll, layer with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, grilled chicken, basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
8. Serving: Crown with top roll and serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Slice Carefully: Use a sharp knife and cut chicken breasts horizontally for uniform, thin filets to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to absorb marinade for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 8 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy or overly salty.
• Temperature Matters: Maintain grill heat between 375-400°F to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without drying out chicken or causing excessive charring.
• Rest and Redistribute: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices, guaranteeing a moist and flavorful sandwich experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg