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This Chicken Caprese Sandwich has chicken breasts, with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, all tucked into a warm ciabatta roll slathered with pesto. It’s fresh and full of flavor and checks every box. It all comes together in one bite, exactly the way a caprese sandwich should.
This recipe is one we’ve been making and tweaking for years, ever since friends first introduced it to us. I love a good caprese, but let’s be honest, not all caprese sandwiches are created equal. Some are good and simple, and others are the kind that make you forget all conversation at the table. This chicken caprese sandwich is firmly in that second category.
Many of you have loved our balsamic glazed caprese sandwich, but this version actually came first. It’s easy to adapt, whether you make it with chicken, vegetarian, or gluten-free, and it’s been a go-to ever since. However you make it, this is one sandwich worth keeping in your rotation.
Ingredients For Chicken Caprese Sandwiches
This Caprese Chicken Sandwich is the perfect solution for turning leftover chicken breasts into something fresh, flavorful, and exciting. Transform your leftovers into a meal that is anything but ordinary.
- Skinless Chicken Breasts: juicy, grilled base for the sandwich
- Olive Oil: used to cook the chicken and add richness
- Garlic: lightly infuses the oil for extra flavor
- Pesto: Made from fresh basil leaves, herbs, kosher salt, black pepper, pine nuts, and parmesan. Adds classic basil flavor and moisture
- Fresh Mozzarella: Slices of Fresh Mozzarella Cheese melt over the chicken for a creamy caprese layer. It really has to be fresh mozz…it’s just soooooo much better for this type of sandwich!
- Roma Tomatoes: fresh tomato slices that balance the richness
- Balsamic Vinegar Glaze: A sweet, tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze is the perfect finish to the sandwich
- Ciabatta Rolls or Kaiser Rolls: sturdy, toasted rolls perfect for caprese sandwiches
All the measurements and details can be found in the recipe card below.
My Secrets to the BEST Chicken Caprese Sandwich!
Use great bread: Choose sourdough, focaccia, or ciabatta from a good bakery. The bread matters because it holds everything together and carries all the flavor.
Marinate the chicken: A flavorful marinade makes a huge difference and keeps the chicken juicy and delicious.
Choose ripe tomatoes: Garden or farm stand tomatoes have the best flavor and really elevate the sandwich.
Toast the bread: Brush the inside with olive oil or butter, toast until golden, then rub with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
Cook it your way: Enjoy the sandwich fresh, panini-style, or grilled. All options work.
Add greens: Spinach, fresh basil, or both add a fresh finishing touch.
How to Make Chicken Caprese Sandwich
This sandwich is one of the best summer meals to keep on deck. There’s nothing better than vine-fresh tomatoes, grilled protein, and vibrant pesto married together in one sandwich.
- Marinate Chicken: Use our marinated chicken breast recipe, then marinate the chicken up to 12 hours. Grill until cooked through.
- Prep Bread: Slice the rolls in half and brush the cut sides with a little olive oil.
- Toast Bread: Pan-fry in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until golden, or toast on the grill.
- Rub Garlic: Rub the warm, toasted sides with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
- Spread Pesto: Lather one side of each roll with pesto.
- Layer Filling: Add grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, and sliced tomatoes.
- Finish Sandwich: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, top with the other half of the roll, and serve.
These instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the end of the post. It can be printed or saved from there.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
This Caprese sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but a few components can be prepped ahead to save time. The chicken can be marinated and cooked up to 2 days in advance, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
You can also slice the cheese and tomatoes ahead of time and keep them chilled until ready to assemble. For the best texture, wait to toast the bread, spread the pesto, and assemble the sandwich just before serving. Once assembled, these sandwiches don’t store well, as the bread can become soggy, so it’s best to enjoy them right away.
Be prepared for your eyes to roll back in your head when you take a bite out of this chicken caprese sandwich! The chicken is so dang juicy and flavorful, and then you add the layers of tomato, mozzarella, pesto, and balsamic…you can just forget it about it!