Chicken Caprese Sandwich

This simple grilled chicken caprese sandwich is an easy summer dinner!

Course Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword chicken breasts, grilled chicken, sandwiches

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings sandwiches

Calories 542kcal

Author Blair Lonergan

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves or chicken cutlets (about 4 ounces each)
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for drizzling
4 sandwich rolls, ciabatta rolls, sliced sourdough bread, or focaccia bread, sliced in half horizontally
¼ cup prepared basil pesto
¼ cup mayonnaise
8 large basil leaves
2 plum tomatoes or roma tomatoes or 1 large tomato, sliced
4 slices fresh mozzarella (from an 8 ounce ball of mozzarella)

Heat a nonstick pan, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Coat the grill grates or pan with about a teaspoon of oil so that the chicken doesn’t stick. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, rub with olive oil on all sides, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sear or grill the chicken on each side until golden, crispy, and cooked through (about 5 minutes per side for small, thin chicken breast halves, up to 10-12 minutes per side for larger, thick chicken breasts, or about 6-7 minutes for chicken thighs). The meat is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the meat to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and using in the sandwiches.

Toast the sandwich rolls. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto mayonnaise on the inside of the top and bottom of each roll. On the bottom half of the roll, place a layer of chicken and a slice of mozzarella. Place the bottom rolls with the chicken and cheese under the broiler for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts. Add a slice of tomato and a couple of basil leaves on top of the melted cheese. Top with the remaining half of the roll, pesto mayonnaise-side down.

I've included directions for basic grilled chicken (to keep it quick and easy); however, you can use a simple grilled chicken marinade for even more flavor. Don't want to grill your meat? No problem! Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, or try oven baked chicken breast or cast iron chicken breast instead. These grilled chicken thighs also work well!
Pick a hearty, crusty bread or sandwich roll that can hold up to the sandwich fillings. Good options include crusty kaiser rolls, ciabatta rolls, sourdough bread, and focaccia bread.
Instead of pesto mayo, drizzle the sandwiches with a balsamic glaze.