Caprese Chicken Sandwiches

Every time I make Caprese Chicken Sandwiches, it feels like a celebration of summer right in my own kitchen. The bright, fresh flavors of basil and mozzarella blend beautifully with the juicy chicken, while the tangy balsamic dressing brings everything together in perfect harmony. I remember the first time I introduced this dish to my family during a sunny afternoon picnic. I was nervous, but when everyone took that first bite, the smiles on their faces reassured me that I had created something special. The best part? These sandwiches are not just delicious; they’re incredibly easy to make!

What to Buy for Caprese Chicken Sandwiches

When it comes to making Caprese Chicken Sandwiches, the quality of your ingredients truly matters. Fresh produce and quality meats will elevate your dish, making it a standout meal. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into what you need to create this masterpiece!

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, providing protein and substance. Halving them ensures they cook thoroughly and fit perfectly in your sandwich.
• ½ cup balsamic dressing: Adds a tangy sweetness and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
• ½ tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the chicken, it contributes a nice richness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced: Creamy and delicious, it melts beautifully on the chicken.
• 4 brioche buns: Soft and buttery, they’re perfect for holding all the delicious fillings.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: For toasting the buns, giving them a golden, crispy edge.
• 1 large beefsteak tomato, sliced thin: Adds juiciness and freshness to the sandwich.
• 1 small bunch fresh basil leaves: Provides a fragrant, aromatic quality that complements the other flavors.

Making This Caprese Chicken Sandwiches

Creating Caprese Chicken Sandwiches is a delightful journey that starts with marinating the chicken. It’s a straightforward process that only requires a few simple steps. Let’s get started!

1. Begin by taking a large bowl and adding the chicken breasts. Pour in ¼ cup balsamic dressing to completely coat the chicken. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for about one hour. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making it tender and juicy.
2. After the chicken is marinated, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, heat a large oven-safe sauté pan over medium-high heat on the stove. Add olive oil to the pan. Wait until the oil becomes hot and shiny, which indicates it’s ready for cooking.
3. Next, take the marinated chicken breasts out of the bowl, letting any excess dressing drip off before placing them in the hot pan. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. Sear each side of the chicken for about three minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
4. Once seared, carefully transfer the pan to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about three minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it’s fully cooked.
5. Switch on the oven broiler and layer fresh mozzarella slices over each piece of chicken. Broil for approximately three minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. It’s that ooey-gooey moment we all love!
6. Once done, take the chicken out of the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains moist.
7. While the chicken rests, take a large pan and heat it over medium heat. Add unsalted butter and let it melt, coating the bottom of the pan. Then, place the brioche buns in the pan, insides facing down. Toast the buns for about one minute on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
8. Once toasted, transfer the buns to a cutting board. Spread the remaining balsamic dressing inside each toasted bun. This extra layer of flavor will elevate your sandwich to another level!
9. To assemble the sandwiches, start with the bottom bun. Add a slice of tomato, followed by the balsamic chicken with melted mozzarella. Top with a few fresh basil leaves, and finally, place the top bun on the sandwich. Press down gently to let all those flavors meld together.

Tips and Tricks about Caprese Chicken Sandwiches

To elevate your Caprese Chicken Sandwiches, here are some essential tips and tricks that will help you master this recipe!

• Storage: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Thaw and reheat before assembling the sandwiches to enjoy later.
• Pairing: Serve these sandwiches with a side of crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Serving Occasion: These sandwiches are perfect for summer barbecues, cozy family dinners, or a light lunch during a picnic.
• Garnish: Consider adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top before serving for extra flavor and presentation.

Serving Ideas for Caprese Chicken Sandwiches

Serving Caprese Chicken Sandwiches can be just as fun as making them! Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• For a summer picnic: Pack the sandwiches along with a refreshing cucumber salad and some fresh fruit for a light meal.
• Lunch Break: Enjoy these sandwiches as a quick lunch with a side of kettle chips for added crunch.
• Game Day Delight: Serve these sandwiches at your next game day party. Pair with a cold beverage and some veggie sticks!
• Weekend BBQ: They make an excellent addition to your barbecue menu. Offer a variety of sides like coleslaw or potato salad to complement the sandwiches.
• Seasonal Variations: In the fall, add sliced roasted butternut squash for a seasonal twist. In winter, try roasted red peppers for added warmth.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Caprese Chicken Sandwiches are a delightful combination of juicy chicken, fresh ingredients, and rich flavors that come together beautifully. They are not just a meal; they are an experience that brings joy to the table. I encourage you to try making them for your family or friends. You won’t regret it!

Caprese Chicken Sandwiches

The ultimate summer sandwich, Caprese Chicken Sandwiches are filled with juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this easy recipe brings vibrant flavors to your table. Make it tonight and experience pure delight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces chicken breasts boneless skinless, halved
• ½ cup Balsamic Dressing divided
• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz mozzarella fresh, sliced
• 4 buns brioche
• 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
• 1 large tomato beefsteak, sliced thin
• 1 small bunch basil fresh leaves

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Frying Pan

Method

 

1. To a large bowl, add chicken breasts and ¼ cup Balsamic Dressing. Completely coat the chicken with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for one hour.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large oven-safe sauté pan to medium-high on the stove. Add olive oil to the pan. Once the oil is hot and shiny, add chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sear each side of the chicken for about three minutes until golden brown on the outside.
3. Move chicken to the oven and bake it for about three minutes on each side until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees and it’s fully cooked throughout.
4. Set the oven broiler to high. Add a layer of fresh mozzarella to each piece of chicken breast and broil the chicken for about three minutes until the cheese is completely melted. Transfer chicken to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes.
5. Heat a large pan to medium on the stove and add butter. Once butter melts, add the brioche buns, insides facing down. Toast the buns about one minute on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a cutting board.
6. Spread the remaining Balsamic Dressing on the inside of the toasted buns. Assemble sandwiches in this order: bottom bun, slice of tomato, balsamic chicken with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, top bun.

Notes

• Marinate chicken: Marinate chicken with balsamic dressing in the refrigerator for as little as one hour to soak up the flavor and become tender.
• Halving chicken: First time halving chicken breasts for sandwiches? Halve the chicken breasts by slicing them down the middle, lengthwise. That makes them perfect sandwich-size and easy to cook through because they’re thinner.
• Bread options: Other than brioche buns, you can make these sandwiches with marinated chicken breasts on slices of ciabatta bread as well, or on my own homemade focaccia bread.
• Cheese variations: Mix up the recipe by using your favorite cheeses—try it with slices of Fontina or Gouda.
• Gourmet option: Make these with sous vide chicken tenders for super gourmet sandwiches.

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Meet Nora Wells

The Hearth Keeper For me, cooking is about hospitality. I want every recipe we create to make people feel welcome and safe. I love the old ways of cooking cast iron skillets, wooden spoons, and recipes passed down through generations. I work with the team to add that touch of nostalgia to our dishes. Whether we are making a modern pasta or a vintage cake, I’m there to ensure it tastes like home.