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pedto chicken caprese grilled sandwich

Pesto Chicken Caprese Grilled Sandwiches

The Crispy Chef
Take everything you love about Italian flavors — basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, juicy tomato, and grilled chicken — then sandwich it between crispy golden bread for a caprese experience that eats like a full meal. A 10-minute upgrade to your lunch routine.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Lunch, Main
Cuisine Fusion, Italian-inspired
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 580 kcal

Equipment

  • Panini press or skillet with weight
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast, sliced thin
  • 4 ciabatta rolls or 8 slices sourdough
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 large tomatoes, sliced
  • 0.5 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves (about 20–30 leaves)
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
  • 4 tbsp softened butter or olive oil for grilling
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional red pepper flakes (for heat)

Instructions
 

  • If cooking chicken fresh, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-fry until cooked through, then let rest and slice. Prep mozzarella and tomato slices (¼" thick) and pat tomatoes dry. Wash and dry basil leaves.
  • Spread pesto generously on both inner sides of bread. Layer mozzarella, chicken, tomato, basil, and optional balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper. Top with more mozzarella and second slice of bread.
  • Butter or oil the outside of the sandwich bread. Be sure to coat edges for full browning.
  • Grill sandwiches in a panini press for 4–5 minutes or in a skillet with weight on top, 3–4 minutes per side, until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.
  • Let sandwiches rest 2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve hot with optional chips or tomato soup.

Notes

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to make this extra fast. Don’t skip fresh mozzarella — it melts better and adds creaminess. Press sandwiches gently but firmly, and grill over medium heat for even melting. Optional balsamic glaze takes it over the top.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 38gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 720mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 750IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword caprese sandwich, easy lunch, grilled pesto sandwich, leftover chicken, mozzarella chicken sandwich
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