Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight

Summer grilling is in full swing, and there’s nothing quite like a fresh, flavorful sandwich to enjoy on a warm day. This Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich combines juicy grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all nestled in a toasty ciabatta roll. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

• Chicken and Marinade:
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Sandwich Assembly:
  • 4 ciabatta rolls
  • 1/4 cup pesto, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 (8-ounce) ball of mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 (8-ounce) beefsteak tomatoes, sliced
  • 20 to 24 basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)

Directions

Prep the Chicken

1. Slice and Pound:
   • Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thin filets.
   • Place each filet between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap.
   • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Marinate:
   • In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   • Place the chicken in the dish, turning to coat each piece thoroughly.
   • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 8 hours for more flavor.

Grill the Chicken and Toast the Buns

1. Preheat and Oil:
   • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
   • Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
2. Grill Chicken:
   • Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
   • Cook for 3 minutes on each side, flipping only once.
   • Ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
   • Transfer to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes.
3. Toast Rolls:
   • While the chicken is grilling, place the ciabatta rolls cut-side down on the grill.
   • Toast for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly crispy.

Assemble the Sandwich

1. Spread Pesto:
   • Spread a generous layer of pesto on the bottom half of each ciabatta roll (about 1 tablespoon per roll).
2. Layer Ingredients:
   • Add a layer of mozzarella slices.
   • Follow with a layer of tomato slices.
   • Place a piece of grilled chicken on top.
3. Add Basil and Glaze:
   • Finish with 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves.
   • Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
4. Top and Serve:
   • Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
   • Serve immediately for the best taste.

Tips and Storage

• This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Store sliced tomatoes and mozzarella separately.
• To reheat chicken, bake at 400°F for 10 minutes before assembling the sandwich.

Nutrition and Serving

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 550 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in this Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich. It’s a delightful addition to any summer meal, bringing together the freshness of Caprese with the satisfying heartiness of grilled chicken. Bon appétit!