Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich
This chicken pesto caprese sandwich has melty mozzarella, juicy chicken, fresh basil and pesto, and it will hit every single time. A thin chicken breast gets seared until golden, topped with fresh mozzarella and broiled until melty, then layered on toasted ciabatta with pesto, ripe tomato and basil. This caprese chicken sandwich is ready in about 20 minutes.
For another pesto favorite, try my Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Chicken Sandwich
- Classic caprese flavors in sandwich form.
- Melty fresh mozzarella on juicy chicken.
- Pesto that adds big flavor fast.
- Ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients for a Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich
The Chicken
A thin chicken breast, olive oil, salt and pepper.
The Caprese
Sliced fresh mozzarella, Roma tomato and fresh basil leaves.
The Bread and Pesto
A ciabatta roll or focaccia and pesto.
Swap note: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free sandwich. Grilled chicken works in place of pan-seared.
How to Make a Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich
Step 1: Cook the chicken
Pound the chicken thin, pat dry and season with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
Step 2: Melt the mozzarella
Top the chicken with sliced mozzarella and broil 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
Step 3: Toast the bread
Slice and toast the bread with a drizzle of olive oil, then spread pesto on the top slice.
Step 4: Assemble
Layer the chicken and mozzarella, then add the tomato and basil and close the sandwich.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Pound the chicken thin so it cooks fast and evenly.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
- Salt the tomatoes lightly for extra flavor.
- Toast the bread so it holds up to the juicy fillings.
Make It Your Own
- Balsamic: Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Burrata: Swap the mozzarella for burrata.
- Grilled: Grill the chicken for smoky flavor.
- Sun-dried tomato: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Cook the chicken up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate. Reheat, melt the mozzarella and assemble right before eating.
What to Serve With a Caprese Sandwich
Serve with chips, a side salad or Lemon Feta Pasta Salad.
Storing and Reheating
This sandwich is best eaten fresh.
Store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What People Ask About Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich
What bread is best for a caprese sandwich?
Ciabatta, focaccia or sourdough.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes. It works great and saves time.
Can I grill the chicken?
Yes. Grill until 165°F inside.
What is caprese?
An Italian combo of fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil.
Chicken Pesto Caprese Sandwich
Ingredients
Method
- Pound the chicken breast thin for even cooking. Pat it dry, season with salt and pepper, and cook in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
- Top the cooked chicken with sliced mozzarella and broil for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.
- Slice the bread and toast it with a drizzle of olive oil. Spread pesto on the top slice.
- Layer the chicken with melted mozzarella, then add sliced tomato and fresh basil leaves to assemble the sandwich.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the bread lightly to add a nice crunch to the sandwich.
- If you prefer, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying it.
