The Ultimate Caprese Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Pesto Perfection for Your Summer Table

Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Caprese Grilled Chicken Sandwich recipe. Succulent chicken breasts are infused with a fragrant basil pesto marinade, then perfectly grilled and layered with sweet grilled tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves, all nestled in a toasted bun. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a culinary celebration perfect for any backyard barbecue or weeknight meal.

Elevate your outdoor dining experience by pairing this masterpiece with a refreshing glass of Grilled Strawberry Lemonade, and finish your meal on a sweet note with delightful Grilled Berry S’Mores for an unforgettable feast straight from the grill.

Why This Caprese Grilled Chicken Sandwich Stands Out

There’s something inherently satisfying about cooking chicken on the grill. The smoky char, the juicy tenderness, and the incredible versatility make it a go-to for any outdoor cooking enthusiast. While I often enjoy experimenting with various chicken recipes like vibrant Chipotle Lime Chicken Fajita Skewers or savory Caribbean Jerk Chicken Meatballs, sometimes the simplest approach yields the most spectacular results. This recipe focuses on marinating boneless, skinless chicken breasts and grilling them to perfection, creating a foundation for an extraordinary sandwich.

The secret to this sandwich’s incredible flavor lies in its marinade: fresh basil pesto. Pesto, a classic Italian sauce traditionally made from basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, is a powerhouse of flavor. Its aromatic and herbaceous notes penetrate deep into the chicken, tenderizing it and infusing it with a rich, garlicky zest that’s simply irresistible. This marinade not only enhances the taste but also helps keep the chicken moist and tender during grilling, preventing it from drying out. Whether you choose to whip up a batch of my homemade basil pesto for the freshest possible taste or opt for a high-quality store-bought version, the results will be outstanding.

Choosing Your Pesto: Homemade vs. Store-Bought Tips

For those times when you’re short on time, a good store-bought pesto can be a lifesaver. However, not all pestos are created equal. When browsing the grocery store aisles, I highly recommend seeking out fresh, refrigerated pesto. You’ll typically find these in the deli or refrigerated specialty foods section, often near fresh pasta or gourmet cheeses. These varieties are usually made with fresher ingredients and boast a much brighter, more vibrant flavor profile compared to their shelf-stable counterparts found near pasta sauces. Some discerning grocery stores even pride themselves on making their own pesto fresh daily, which is always a fantastic option if available. Don’t be afraid to read labels and look for pestos with real, simple ingredients for the best taste.

Once your chicken is beautifully marinated and grilled, the magic truly begins with the addition of fresh Caprese elements. Slices of ripe tomatoes, kissed by the grill’s heat, develop a subtle sweetness and char that complements the chicken perfectly. Topped with luscious fresh mozzarella cheese, which melts into a gooey, savory blanket, and finished with fragrant fresh basil leaves, this sandwich transforms into a gourmet experience. All these exquisite components are brought together on a perfectly toasted bun, often spread with an extra layer of pesto for an added burst of flavor. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a truly satisfying and profoundly delicious grilled chicken sandwich that tastes like it came from a high-end bistro.

Mastering the Grill: Tips for a Perfect Caprese Chicken Sandwich

Creating an exceptional grilled chicken sandwich goes beyond just cooking the ingredients; it involves a few key techniques to ensure every component shines. From properly preparing your chicken to perfectly toasting your buns, these tips will help you achieve grilled perfection.

Preparing the Chicken for Optimal Grilling

The foundation of this sandwich is tender, juicy chicken. Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each weighing approximately 1/2 pound. If your chicken breasts are particularly large, closer to a pound each, it’s highly recommended to butterfly them. Butterflying involves carefully slicing the chicken breast horizontally almost all the way through, then opening it up like a book. This technique creates a thinner, more even piece of chicken, ensuring it cooks more uniformly and quickly on the grill. This prevents the edges from drying out while the center is still cooking, resulting in consistently tender meat.

Once butterflied (if necessary), toss the chicken breasts with 1/2 cup of basil pesto in a medium bowl or a sealable plastic bag. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Pesto acts as a fantastic marinade, infusing the chicken with its aromatic flavors and helping to tenderize the meat. While a 10-minute marination is sufficient while your grill heats up, for a deeper flavor profile, you can let the chicken marinate for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more pronounced the pesto flavor will be.

Grilling the Chicken to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature of approximately 400°F (200°C). A consistent grill temperature is crucial for even cooking. Place the marinated chicken breasts directly on the hot grates. Grill for about 10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked through without overcooking it, which can lead to dry meat.

For those who prefer indoor grilling, a high-quality indoor grill can achieve similar results, often cooking both sides simultaneously and cutting the cooking time in half. Many modern indoor grills even alert you when the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature. If you’re using an outdoor grill, a handy tip for easy cleanup is to grill the chicken on a piece of aluminum foil. This method still allows you to achieve beautiful grill marks and smoky flavor without having to scrub your grates later.

Grilling the Tomatoes and Toasting the Buns

While your chicken is grilling, prepare your tomatoes. Slice two ripe tomatoes into 8 even slices. Place these tomato slices directly on the grill grates next to the chicken. Grill them for approximately 2 minutes per side. Grilling tomatoes softens them slightly and brings out their natural sweetness, adding a warm, complex flavor to the sandwich. The slight charring also adds a visual appeal.

Just before assembling, lightly toast your hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes. This step is often overlooked but makes a significant difference. Toasting the buns adds a delightful crunch, prevents them from getting soggy, and provides a sturdy base for all the delicious fillings.

Melting the Mozzarella and Final Assembly

Once the chicken is cooked and the tomatoes are grilled, it’s time to bring it all together. Place two grilled tomato slices on top of each piece of grilled chicken. Then, top each tomato slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheese to melt over the warm chicken and tomatoes for 3-4 minutes on the grill. The residual heat from the grill and chicken will gently soften and melt the mozzarella into a luscious, gooey layer.

Remove all components from the grill. Place the Caprese grilled chicken breasts onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Add two fresh basil leaves on top of the melted cheese on each sandwich – the warmth will gently release the basil’s fragrant oils. Finally, spread the remaining 1/2 cup of basil pesto evenly onto the top buns, then place them atop your magnificent sandwiches. Your ultimate Caprese Grilled Chicken Sandwich is now ready to be savored!

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Caprese Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Chicken breasts are tossed in a basil pesto marinade, then grilled to perfection and topped with grilled tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese in this easy, delicious grilled chicken sandwich recipe!

Servings:

4
sandwiches

Prep Time:

10 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

25 minutes
mins

Total Time:

35 minutes
mins

Author:
Whitney Bond

Course:
Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine:
Italian

Ingredients

• 4
  chicken breasts, approximately ½ pound each
• 1 cup
  basil pesto, divided – click link for homemade recipe
• 8 slices
  fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2
  tomatoes, cut into 8 slices
• 4
  hamburger buns
• 8
  large fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. Toss the chicken breasts with ½ cup basil pesto in a medium bowl or plastic bag. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or for up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for a richer flavor.
2. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, reaching approximately 400°F (200°C).
3. Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill. Grill for 10-12 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. While the chicken is cooking, place the sliced tomatoes and hamburger buns on the grill to toast.
5. Grill the tomatoes for 2 minutes per side. Once grilled, place 2 slices of tomato on top of each cooked chicken breast.
6. Add two slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes on each chicken breast. Allow the cheese to melt over the chicken and tomatoes for 3-4 minutes.
7. Once the cheese is beautifully melted, carefully remove all ingredients from the grill.
8. Place the Caprese chicken breasts onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Top the melted cheese with two fresh basil leaves on each sandwich.
9. Spread the remaining ½ cup of basil pesto across the top hamburger buns. Place the top buns onto the sandwiches, press gently, and prepare to dig into your delicious creation!

Notes

• If your chicken breasts are large (almost 1 lb each), butterfly them before marinating to ensure even cooking.
• For easier cleanup, consider grilling the chicken on a piece of aluminum foil. You’ll still get great flavor and grill marks!

Nutrition Facts

Calories
798
kcal
(40%)



Carbohydrates
30
g
(10%)



Protein
68
g
(136%)



Fat
43
g
(66%)



Saturated Fat
13
g
(65%)



Cholesterol
194
mg
(65%)



Sodium
1415
mg
(59%)



Potassium
1079
mg
(31%)



Fiber
2
g
(8%)



Sugar
6
g
(7%)



Vitamin A
2255
mg
(45%)



Vitamin C
11.7
mg
(14%)



Calcium
478
mg
(48%)



Iron
3.1
mg
(17%)

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