Ah, the grilled chicken Caprese sandwich—a dish that somehow makes Tuesdays feel like a sun-drenched picnic in Italy. I swear, the way the basil leaves flirt with the juicy tomatoes and that mozzarella stretches like it’s performing an encore—it’s pure magic. You know, I once tried this recipe while binge-watching an entire season of my favorite show, and let me tell you, the only drama was deciding whether to make a second one.
Steps
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets. Place each between parchment paper or plastic wrap, and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten them to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken cutlets in the marinade, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Grill the Chicken and Toast the Buns: Preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Grill the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden with grill marks. Toast the cut-side of the ciabatta rolls on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread about a tablespoon of pesto on the bottom half of each ciabatta roll. Layer mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and a grilled chicken piece. Top with 5 to 6 basil leaves and drizzle balsamic glaze if using. Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich. Enjoy immediately.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 ciabatta rolls
- 1/4 cup pesto, either store-bought or homemade
- 1 (8-ounce) ball of mozzarella, sliced
- 2 (8-ounce) beefsteak tomatoes, sliced
- 20 to 24 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, optional
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2752 | Fat: 120g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Cholesterol: 508mg | Sodium: 4608mg | Carbohydrates: 196g | Dietary Fiber: 16g | Total Sugars: 36g | Protein: 212g | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 1788mg | Iron: 20mg | Potassium: 3156mg
FAQ
- How can I ensure my grilled chicken remains juicy?
- To achieve juicy grilled chicken, pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Marinate it the day before grilling to enhance flavor and tenderness. Preheat the grill for at least 15 minutes, and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
- What can I do if I don’t have a grill?
- If a grill isn’t available, use a grill pan on the stove. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side.
- What type of bread is best for the Caprese sandwich?
- Fresh, high-quality bread is key. Ciabatta rolls are recommended, but focaccia, sourdough, or a baguette are also good choices. Lightly toasting the bread can enhance the sandwich.
- Can I use different tomatoes or pesto in the sandwich?
- Yes, while beefsteak tomatoes are commonly used, heirloom tomatoes can add sweetness. You can switch the pesto with variations like mint or kale pesto for a different flavor profile.
- How should I store leftovers and reheat the sandwich?
- Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days and keep tomatoes and mozzarella separate. To reheat, place the chicken in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes before assembling the sandwich again.
Tips
- Ensure even cooking of chicken breasts by pounding them to a uniform thickness before grilling.
- For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, allowing the flavors to infuse deeply.
- If you lack a grill, use a grill pan on the stove to achieve similar results; preheat the pan for optimal cooking.
- Elevate your sandwich by using high-quality, fresh bread and consider lightly toasting it for added texture.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan: If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan is a good alternative for indoor cooking.
- Meat Mallet: For pounding the chicken to an even thickness.
- Rolling Pin: An alternative to a meat mallet for flattening chicken.
- Shallow Dish: For marinating the chicken.
- Balsamic Glaze: While optional, if you don’t have it at home, it might be something to purchase.