The Perfect Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich Recipe for Summer

Caprese chicken sandwiches change ordinary lunch routines into culinary adventures that burst with mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Tender grilled chicken becomes the canvas for a vibrant medley of fresh ingredients that dance together in perfect harmony.

Summer’s bounty finds its ultimate expression between two slices of perfectly toasted bread, creating a handheld masterpiece.

Each bite promises a symphony of bright, clean tastes that awaken your palate with remarkable intensity.

Crisp textures interplay with smooth, melting cheese and aromatic herbs, elevating this simple sandwich far beyond typical midday fare.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe offers a delightful balance of protein and garden-fresh elements that feel simultaneously elegant and approachable.

Grab your ingredients and prepare for a delicious journey that promises to revolutionize your sandwich expectations.

What Makes Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich a Summer Star

• Quick and Easy Summer Delight: Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering sandwich that screams fresh and vibrant flavors, perfect for lazy weekends or quick lunch breaks.
• Protein-Packed Grilling Perfection: Enjoy tender, juicy chicken with gorgeous grill marks that lock in incredible Italian-inspired seasonings, delivering a protein-rich meal in under 30 minutes.
• Restaurant-Quality Homemade Gourmet: Elevate your sandwich game with professional-level techniques like marinating, precise grilling, and layering premium ingredients such as creamy mozzarella, aromatic basil, and tangy balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Balanced meal featuring lean protein, fresh vegetables, and controlled portions that satisfy hunger while providing essential nutrients without compromising on incredible taste.

Fresh Ingredients That Make It Pop

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that provides the main protein for the sandwich, best when fresh and free from excessive fat.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, mild cheese that adds creamy texture and melts beautifully on warm chicken.

• Ciabatta Rolls: Italian bread with a chewy texture that provides a sturdy base for the sandwich, ideal when fresh and slightly crusty.

• Olive Oil, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic marinade ingredients that infuse the chicken with rich, aromatic flavors and help tenderize the meat.
• Pesto: Vibrant green sauce made from basil, adding a fresh and herbal note to the sandwich.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that brings a bright, peppery taste and classic Caprese element.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy reduction that adds a glossy finish and complex flavor profile.

• Tomato Slices: Juicy and ripe tomatoes that provide a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich chicken and cheese.

How to Build a Layered Caprese Bite

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into 4 thin filets. Place each filet between parchment paper and gently pound with a mallet until 1/4-inch thick and evenly flattened.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Marinade

• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Grill Chicken to Perfection

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Grill chicken for 3 minutes on each side until golden with distinct grill marks. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.

Step 4: Toast Ciabatta Rolls

Place ciabatta rolls cut-side down on the grill. Toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and crispy.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Sandwich

• Mozzarella slices
• Tomato slices
• Grilled chicken
• Fresh basil leaves

Drizzle balsamic glaze over top. Complete sandwich with top roll. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Tips for Toasting It Just Right

• Flatten Perfectly: Use gentle, consistent mallet pressure to ensure even chicken thickness without tearing the meat.
• Marinate Smartly: Allow chicken to absorb flavors by marinating at least 30 minutes, but don't exceed 8 hours to prevent texture breakdown.
• Grill with Confidence: Clean and oil grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful char marks.
• Layer Strategically: Place mozzarella directly on warm chicken to help it slightly melt for extra creaminess.
• Balsamic Drizzle Hack: Apply balsamic glaze sparingly to enhance flavor without overwhelming other ingredients.

Store It Without Soggy Surprises

• Refrigerate: Place leftover sandwiches in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm sandwiches in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the bread soggy and mozzarella rubbery. For best results, remove fresh basil leaves before reheating and add them back after warming.
• Quality Tip: Consume sandwiches within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture. Freshly made sandwiches always taste better, so consider preparing ingredients separately and assembling just before serving when possible.

What to Pair with Caprese on the Grill

• Pair with Crisp Pinot Grigio: The light, zesty white wine complements the grilled chicken's herbal notes and cuts through the rich pesto and mozzarella.
• Serve Alongside Caprese Salad: Create a matching flavor profile by adding fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to enhance the sandwich's Italian-inspired elements.
• Match with Garlic Parmesan Potato Chips: The crunchy, savory side adds texture and provides a salty contrast to the sandwich's fresh, bright ingredients.
• Cool Down with Strawberry Lemonade: The sweet-tart beverage refreshes the palate and balances the sandwich's rich, grilled flavors, making each bite more enjoyable.

Creative Spins on the Caprese Sandwich

• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap pesto with tzatziki sauce, add cucumber slices, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version of the sandwich.
• Spicy Southwest Upgrade: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin, top with pepper jack cheese, add roasted green chiles, and drizzle chipotle mayo for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Smoky Bacon Lover's Choice: Layer crispy bacon strips alongside the chicken, use smoked mozzarella instead of regular, and add a smoky aioli to enhance the rich, intense flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute grilled chicken with grilled portobello mushroom steaks, keeping all other ingredients the same for a hearty meat-free option that maintains the original sandwich's delicious essence.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich whisks Mediterranean flavors into an irresistible lunch experience. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil combine with perfectly seasoned grilled chicken to create a classic Italian-inspired masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1½ pounds or 680 grams total)

Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian herb seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sandwich Components:

• 4 ciabatta rolls
• 0.25 cup (4 tablespoons) pesto, homemade or store-bought
• 1 ball (8 ounces or 226 grams) mozzarella cheese, sliced
• 2 beefsteak tomatoes (8 ounces or 226 grams each), sliced
• 20–24 fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, optional

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Instructions

1. Transform chicken breasts into thin, uniform filets by slicing each breast lengthwise and gently pounding between parchment paper until reaching a consistent 0.25-inch (6.35 millimeters) thickness.
2. Create a robust marinade by whisking high-quality extra virgin olive oil with aromatic Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow container.
3. Thoroughly coat each chicken filet in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, then refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor absorption.
4. Prepare outdoor grill or grill pan by heating to medium-high temperature (375-400 degrees Fahrenheit or 190-204 degrees Celsius) and lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill chicken filets for approximately 3 minutes per side, achieving golden-brown exterior with distinctive grill marks and internal temperature reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
6. Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and maintaining moisture.
7. Toast ciabatta rolls by placing cut-side down on grill for 1-2 minutes until edges become crisp and develop light char.
8. Construct sandwich by spreading generous layer of vibrant basil pesto on bottom roll, then layer fresh mozzarella slices, ripe tomato rounds, grilled chicken, delicate basil leaves, and drizzle with rich balsamic glaze.
9. Crown sandwich with top roll and serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Simplify your prep by slicing chicken breasts horizontally for faster, even cooking.
• Marinating chicken adds incredible depth of flavor and keeps meat tender during grilling.
• Grill marks aren’t just beautiful – they seal in juices and create delicious caramelized edges.
• Fresh basil and balsamic glaze transform an ordinary sandwich into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Toasting ciabatta rolls adds crunch and prevents soggy bread from pesto and tomato moisture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg