Chicken Caprese Sandwich
This Chicken Caprese Sandwich is made on ciabatta bread filled with Italian Grilled Chicken, juicy fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and is slathered with Basil Pesto and sweet balsamic glaze!
If you love the basil and tomato flavor combination then you will love my Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes, Grilled Tomato Pesto Sandwich, Caprese Orzo, and Panzanella Toscana recipes!
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy lunch or dinner. This Italian chicken caprese sandwich recipe is super easy to make for lunch or dinner!
- Sweet balsamic glaze. The sweetness and tangyness of the balsamic glaze is the perfect addition to this delicious Italian caprese chicken sandwich.
- Uses simple ingredients. This recipe is not only delicious, but it uses ingredients typically found on hand! It’s also a great way to use your juicy ripe tomatoes from the garden during the summer months!
- Amazing textures and flavors. Caprese sandwiches are packed with amazing textures and flavors! The juicy tomatoes paired with the drizzle of balsamic reduction glaze and the basil flavor from the pesto is a great contrast of sweet and salty for the most amazing Italian grilled chicken sandwich recipe.
Ingredient Notes
- Ciabatta Rolls: I like to do something a bit more than just regular sandwich bread to make it more hearty and more Italian-like! You can use ciabatta rolls, French bread, a loaf of sourdough, or another artisan bread. You can also make my Focaccia Bread and cut larger squares to use that as the bread!
- Basil Pesto: You can use store-bought pesto or use my Homemade Basil Pesto recipe to make your own pesto. Kale Pesto is another option as a substitute.
- Cooked Chicken Breasts: You can use grilled chicken breasts, air fryer chicken breasts, baked chicken breasts or chicken breasts cooked on a skillet. Follow along with my Italian Grilled Chicken recipe for directions on making Italian seasoned chicken.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Some grocery stores sell fresh mozzarella that is pre-cut into slices. You can use that for an even quicker option. You do want fresh cheese though! It really is a world of difference in terms of flavor and moisture for the grilled chicken caprese sandwich.
- Tomatoes: Feel free to use whatever type of tomato you have on hand or you prefer (Roma, heirloom, beefsteak, Campari tomatoes, etc) just be sure to use fresh tomatoes!
- Balsamic Glaze: You can use store-bought balsamic glaze for a quicker and easier option. You can also make homemade balsamic glaze by adding balsamic vinegar to a saucepan, bringing it to a low boil and reducing to a simmer. The balsamic reduction will thicken as it simmers.
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Toast the ciabatta rolls. Cut the rolls in half and toast them in a toaster, in the oven or on a skillet until both sides are golden.
- Add the pesto. Spread the pesto on one half of the ciabatta rolls. Add 1 of the grilled or cooked chicken breasts.
- Top with cheese, tomato and balsamic glaze. On top of the chicken, place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
- Enjoy! Place the other half of the ciabatta roll on top and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
Depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the ciabatta rolls, you may need to use less than 1 chicken breast or a bit more to fill the chicken caprese sandwich.
Use store-bought balsamic glaze or make your own balsamic glaze by bringing balsamic vinegar to a low boil in a small saucepan and reducing to a simmer to thicken.
You can also add some fresh baby spinach to this grilled chicken caprese sandwich for added nutrients, more green, and a soft crunch.
Cut the sandwich in half once made for easier eating.
If you aren’t eating the sandwich right away, you may want to wait to add the tomatoes and balsamic glaze until just before eating so the bread doesn’t get soggy. Toasting the bread will reduce this risk.
Using pesto adds more of a spread-like moisture to the sandwich that you wouldn’t get by just using fresh basil leaves. However, if you don’t have pesto, you can use fresh basil as a substitute. Add a bit of mayo (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option) to the pesto for a simple and delicious pesto aioli.
If you have a panini press you can use that to make the chicken caprese sandwich a chicken caprese panini!
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing
Cook the chicken ahead of time for a quick and easy meal!
Store the sandwich deconstructed: store any leftover tomato slices, chicken breasts, and ciabatta rolls in separate ziplock bags or airtight containers in the fridge for 2-3 days.
If you made fresh pesto, store that in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Homemade balsamic glaze will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Enjoy this Italian chicken caprese sandwich fresh. I do not recommend freezing.
Recipe FAQs
Enjoy these chicken caprese sandwiches with a side of Sheet Pan Italian Sausage and Veggies, an appetizer of Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms, and Italian Cream Soda for a refreshing beverage!
Caprese recipes are Italian dishes that include basil, tomatoes, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar. Adding chicken to a traditional caprese salad is a great way to add protein to the mix.
Yes you can. I used a chicken breast, but chicken tenderloins would work well. You would probably need a few per sandwich. Breaded chicken is fine if that’s what you prefer.
Yes you can. I like using the balsamic glaze or making my own balsamic vinegar reduction because it creates a thicker sauce texture that will stay on the sandwich much easier and it is a bit sweeter.
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Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 ciabatta rolls - or other artisan bread
- 2-4 tablespoons basil pesto - more or less depending on your preference
- 2 small chicken breasts - grilled
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella - sliced
- 2 tomatoes - sliced, (roma, heirloom, garden tomatoes)
- balsamic glaze
Equipment
Instructions
- Cut the ciabatta rolls in half. Toast them in a toaster, toaster oven or brush olive oil over surface of the inside and toast on a skillet over medium-low heat (on both sides) until golden.
- Spread 1-2 T of pesto on one half of the ciabatta, top with chicken, mozzarella slices, tomatoes, and drizzle balsamic glaze overtop.
- Place the other half of ciabatta on top to finish off the sandwich. Enjoy!
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One Comment on “Chicken Caprese Sandwich”
This is such an easy dinner! My family loves it. Super yummy.