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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Slice chicken breasts lengthwise and gently pound between parchment paper to create uniform 0.25-inch thick filets.
- 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.
- Grilling Setup: Heat outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high (375-400°F), lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Chicken Cooking: Grill filets for 3 minutes per side, achieving golden-brown exterior with distinct grill marks and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Resting Phase: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- Roll Preparation: Toast ciabatta rolls by placing cut-side down on grill for 1-2 minutes until edges crisp and lightly charred.
- Sandwich Assembly: Spread basil pesto on bottom roll, layer with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, grilled chicken, basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- 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