Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Perfect for summer, this grilled chicken Caprese sandwich layers juicy chicken breasts with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella. Toasted ciabatta rolls are spread with pesto and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a rich, herby finish. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this sandwich brings together bright seasonal flavors with a satisfying grilled bite. Prep ahead by marinating the chicken early, then grill and assemble for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.

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Published By Ioana
Updated on Thu, 31 Jul 2025 13:45:44 GMT
A grilled chicken caprese sandwich with tomatoes and basil. Bookmark
A grilled chicken caprese sandwich with tomatoes and basil. | ioanacooks.com

This grilled chicken Caprese sandwich is your go to when summer hits and turning on the oven feels impossible. It’s fresh juicy and layered with everything you crave in one bite including basil tomatoes mozzarella and grilled chicken.

I made this for a weekend BBQ and even the picky eaters asked for seconds. It became our summer classic after that.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced thin for even grilling
  • Olive oil: helps the marinade cling and keeps the chicken juicy
  • Italian seasoning: adds herby depth without extra effort
  • Salt: brings out natural flavor in the chicken
  • Ground pepper: adds balance and sharpness
  • Ciabatta rolls: sturdy enough to hold layers without getting soggy
  • Pesto: adds richness and a fresh herby kick
  • Fresh mozzarella: creamy and soft for the perfect melt
  • Beefsteak tomatoes: thick slices add juiciness and mild acidity
  • Fresh basil leaves: brightens every bite and ties it all together
  • Balsamic glaze: for a sweet finishing touch optional but wonderful

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Place between parchment and gently pound with a mallet until even and thin. This helps cook them quickly and evenly.
Make the Marinade:
In a shallow dish combine olive oil Italian seasoning salt and pepper. Add chicken and turn to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium high. Brush the grates with oil. Grill chicken for three minutes on one side then flip and grill for three more. Look for golden grill marks and an internal temp of one sixty five Fahrenheit. Let rest for five minutes before serving.
Toast the Bread:
Place ciabatta rolls cut side down on the grill while chicken rests. Toast for one to two minutes until lightly golden and crisp. This keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread pesto on the bottom half of each roll. Add mozzarella then tomato slices. Layer a piece of grilled chicken and top with basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using then close with the top bun.
Serve Fresh:
Serve immediately while the bread is toasty and the chicken is warm. Leftovers can be stored separately and assembled just before eating.
A grilled chicken caprese sandwich with tomatoes and basil. Bookmark
A grilled chicken caprese sandwich with tomatoes and basil. | ioanacooks.com

One summer evening I swapped store bought pesto for a homemade mint version and it completely transformed the sandwich. Now I grow basil and mint just for this.

Storage Tips

Store leftover grilled chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep sliced mozzarella and tomatoes separate to maintain texture. Reheat the chicken in the oven before assembling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sourdough focaccia or baguette if you do not have ciabatta. Swap basil pesto for arugula or kale pesto. Heirloom tomatoes bring more sweetness if available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

A grilled chicken caprese sandwich with tomatoes and basil. Bookmark
A grilled chicken caprese sandwich with tomatoes and basil. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural and Historical Context

The sandwich draws from Italian Caprese salad which features tomato basil and mozzarella. Adding grilled chicken makes it heartier while still honoring the traditional flavor trio.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do I keep grilled chicken from drying out?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and pound it to an even thickness. Let it rest after grilling to retain juices.

→ What’s the best bread to use?

Ciabatta rolls are ideal for this sandwich, but focaccia, sourdough, or baguette also work well. Toast lightly for texture.

→ Can I make this without a grill?

Yes! Use a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side.

→ What kind of pesto works best?

Classic basil pesto is great, but you can try mint or kale pesto for a twist. Choose fresh, flavorful pesto for best results.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

You can grill the chicken in advance and store it for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwich fresh before serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

A light side salad or crisp vegetable slaw complements the sandwich without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich

Juicy grilled chicken layered with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on toasted ciabatta.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
6 minutes
Overall Time
21 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: Italian-American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

Ingredient 01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
Ingredient 02 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 03 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Ingredient 04 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 05 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Ingredient 06 4 ciabatta rolls
Ingredient 07 1/4 cup pesto, store-bought or homemade
Ingredient 08 1 (8-ounce) ball of mozzarella, sliced
Ingredient 09 2 (8-ounce) beefsteak tomatoes, sliced
Ingredient 10 20 to 24 fresh basil leaves
Ingredient 11 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Cut each chicken breast lengthwise to make 4 thin fillets. Pound to 1/4-inch thickness between parchment sheets.

Step 02

Whisk olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Coat chicken and marinate in fridge 30 minutes to 8 hours.

Step 03

Preheat grill to medium-high and oil grates. Grill chicken 3 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes.

Step 04

While grilling chicken, toast ciabatta rolls cut-side down on grill for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly crisped.

Step 05

Spread pesto on roll bottoms. Layer mozzarella, tomato slices, grilled chicken, and basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze if using, then top with remaining rolls.

Step 06

Serve immediately. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat at 400°F for 10 minutes before assembling.

Extra Tips

  1. Pounding chicken to even thickness ensures consistent cooking and juicier texture.
  2. Using high-quality fresh bread enhances sandwich texture and flavor.
  3. Let grilled meat rest before slicing to retain juices.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Shallow marinating dish
  • Tongs

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella cheese
  • Contains gluten from ciabatta rolls
  • May contain nuts if using nut-based pesto

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 688
  • Total Fat: 30 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 49 grams
  • Protein Amount: 53 grams