Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Craving something delicious that combines all your favorite Italian flavors? This amazing chicken caprese sandwich brings together creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and juicy tomatoes with tender grilled chicken for the perfect quick meal. Anyone who loves the classic caprese salad will absolutely fall in love with this protein-packed sandwich version!
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Active Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 10 minutes, Serves: 1 person.
Nutrition Profile: Healthy Pregnancy, Soy-Free, High-Protein, Egg-Free.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 667 Calories, 38g Fat, 41g Carbs, 42g Protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Plain whole-milk Greek yogurt: You’ll need just 1 tablespoon of this creamy goodness. It adds a nice tangy flavor that balances the rich pesto perfectly.
Basil pesto: One tablespoon of store-bought pesto works great here. You can use homemade if you have it, but no need to stress about making it from scratch!
Unsalted butter: Make sure your 1 tablespoon of butter is nice and soft so it spreads easily. This gives you that golden, crispy outside we all love.
Whole-wheat bread: Two slices of good quality whole-wheat bread give you fiber and hold up well to all these yummy fillings.
Fresh mozzarella cheese: You’ll want 2 ounces sliced up nicely. Fresh mozzarella melts so beautifully and tastes way better than the regular stuff.
Grilled chicken breast: Two ounces of sliced grilled chicken adds that protein boost. Store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves you time!
Tomato: Just 2 nice thick slices of fresh tomato bring that juicy sweetness. Pick a tomato that feels firm but gives slightly when you press it.
Fresh basil: Two tablespoons of chopped fresh basil leaves make this sandwich smell absolutely amazing. Don’t skip this – it really makes the whole dish come together!
How to Make Chicken Caprese Sandwich
Step 1: Mix your yogurt and pesto together in a small bowl. Set this tasty mixture aside while you prep everything else.
Step 2: Spread half your soft butter on one bread slice. Place it butter-side down on your cutting board. Spread half the pesto mixture on top of the bread.
Step 3: Layer on your mozzarella slices first. Then add the chicken, tomato slices, and fresh basil. Spread the remaining pesto mixture on your second bread slice.
Step 4: Place the second bread slice pesto-side down on top of your fillings. Spread the remaining butter on the top of your sandwich.
Step 5: Heat your medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place your sandwich in the pan and press down gently with a spatula. Cook for about 90 seconds until golden brown.
Step 6: Flip carefully and cook another 90 seconds until the other side is toasted. The cheese should just start melting. Cut diagonally and serve warm!
Easy and Quick Chicken Caprese Sandwich Version
Want to make this even faster? Skip mixing the yogurt and pesto – just spread 2 tablespoons of plain pesto directly on your bread! You can also use pre-sliced mozzarella from the deli counter instead of slicing fresh. If you’re really in a hurry, try this in a panini press for 2-3 minutes instead of the skillet method.
Serving Ideas
This sandwich is honestly a complete meal all by itself! If you want something on the side, try some crispy kettle chips or a simple green salad with balsamic dressing. A bowl of warm tomato soup would make this feel like the perfect cozy lunch too.
Storage
This sandwich is really best enjoyed right away while it’s warm and the cheese is melty. But if you need to save leftovers, wrap them in foil and store in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes or back in the skillet for a minute on each side.
Substitutions
No Greek yogurt? You can skip it and just use extra pesto instead. Regular mozzarella works fine if you can’t find fresh. Turkey or ham make great swaps for the chicken. If you’re out of fresh basil, try a handful of arugula or spinach for some green goodness!
Pro Tips
- Perfect melt: Don’t use high heat or your bread will burn before the cheese melts. Medium heat is your friend here!
- No soggy sandwich: Pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels before adding them to prevent a watery mess.
- Even spreading: Make sure your butter is really soft so it spreads without tearing the bread.
- Crispy outside: Press down gently but don’t smash your sandwich – you want it crispy, not flat!
FAQs
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep all your ingredients ahead, but I’d recommend cooking it fresh when you’re ready to eat. The bread gets soggy if you assemble it too early. You’ve got this – it only takes 10 minutes anyway!
What if I don’t have a nonstick skillet?
Sure! Any regular skillet works fine. Just add a tiny bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking. A cast iron pan actually gives you an amazing crispy crust!
Can I use different bread?
You bet! Sourdough, ciabatta, or even regular white bread work great. Just pick something sturdy enough to hold all these delicious fillings without falling apart.
How do I know when it’s done?
Look for golden brown bread and cheese that’s just starting to ooze out the sides. If you peek under with your spatula and see a nice golden color, you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
I hope you love this chicken caprese sandwich as much as I do! It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together so quickly. Let me know how yours turns out – I always love hearing about your cooking adventures!
