What is the origin of Caprese Salad?

Caprese salad originated in the island of Capri in the Gulf of Naples.

What is the difference between Bruschetta and Caprese?

Caprese is a simple Italian salad consisting of sliced tomato, sliced fresh mozzarella and fresh basil leaves. The salad is normally seasoned with salt, pepper, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer consisting of crusty, grilled bread that is usually rubbed with garlic and seasoned with salt, pepper and olive oil. The grilled bread is topped with a seasoned, tomato mixture.

What else can I add to my chicken Caprese sandwiches?

If you want to elevate this delicious chicken sandwich even further, I would add crispy bacon, ripe avocado slices or a drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can make the grilled chicken ahead of time. You could also slice the tomato and slice the mozzarella in advance.

I can't find brioche buns in my local area. What other bread can I use?

I would use a focaccia roll or thickly sliced sourdough bread.

Caprese Chicken Sandwich with Basil Pesto Mayo

Description

Lightly seasoned grilled chicken breast is topped with melted mozzarella cheese, juicy ripe tomatoes, and garden fresh basil. This Caprese Chicken Sandwich is served on a toasted buttery brioche roll and smothered in basil pesto mayo.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
2 medium-sized tomatoes
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (2 large breasts or 4 small)
Salt & pepper
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup basil pesto
4 brioche buns
1 ounce fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your grill to about 450° Fahrenheit.
Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into 1/4 inch thick slices and set aside.
Using a serrated knife, slice the tomato into even slices, cutting against the core so that the slices stay intact. Set aside.
Trim any fatty pieces off of the chicken breast and if needed, cut the chicken breast into 4 equal portions. Lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken onto the preheated grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. Cook the chicken breast until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° F. During the last minute of cooking, place the slices of mozzarella cheese on the chicken breast and cook until melted. Remove the cheese covered chicken from the grill and set aside.
Combine the 1/4 cup of mayonnaise and the 1/4 cup of basil pesto in a small mixing bowl. Mix together until fully combined.
Optional step - Toast the inside of the brioche buns in melted butter in a frying pan on the stove. Toasting the inside of the buns makes them golden brown and crispy. Melt about 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan. Place the brioche buns into the frying pan cut side down. Toast for about 5 minutes or until golden brown.
Assemble your Caprese Chicken Sandwiches. Open the brioche buns. Evenly spread the pesto mayo on the inside of the bun. Place the mozzarella cheese covered chicken breast on the bottom half of the bun. Top the chicken breast with tomato slices and fresh basil leaves and top with the remaining half of the brioche bun. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

To save time, purchase pre-cooked chicken breast.
If you want to make some of this meal ahead of time, cook the chicken, slice the tomatoes and slice the mozzarella cheese the day/night before.

Category: lunch, dinner
Method: grilling
Cuisine: Italian American

Keywords: caprese chicken sandwich, grilled caprese chicken sandwich, chicken caprese sandwich