When you want a restaurant-quality meal with barely any work, this Chicken Caprese Panini Sandwich is perfect! This recipe captures your favorite Italian flavors of fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, pesto, and balsamic glaze into a delicious sandwich. Thanks to your panini maker, you can be enjoying a delicious meal in less than 15 minutes.
There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, toasty panini. The crunch of the grilled bread, the gooey, melted cheese, and the hearty fillings all come together to create a symphony of flavors in every bite.
And when it comes to paninis, our chicken caprese panini recipe is a game changer. It takes the classic flavors of a Caprese salad - ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella - and pairs it with tender, grilled chicken for a lunchtime treat that's both satisfying and packed with flavor.
The real magic in this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward, yet when combined, they transform into a meal that's anything but ordinary.
The juicy chicken provides a robust contrast to the mellow mozzarella, while the fresh tomatoes add a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. The basil pesto adds an herby punch of flavor.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy finish, and you've got a sandwich that's truly irresistible.
It will remind you of the chicken caprese panini from Starbucks, but with even more flavor!
If you are ready to elevate your lunch came with this delicious pesto chicken panini recipe, let’s get started.
Ingredients
- Balsamic Vinegar: We are going to reduce this to make a balsamic glaze. If you have balsamic glaze on hand, feel free to use this instead.
- Bread: Use sturdy bread that will hold up to all of the toppings, like Italian bread or ciabatta rolls.
- Oil: Choose a good quality olive oil.
- Pesto: Use your favorite brand of store-bought pesto or make your own! I like to make this with my pesto without pine nuts.
- Chicken: You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or cook your own. Try my grilled chicken breast, slow cooker shredded chicken, or Ninja Foodi chicken breast.
- Tomatoes: Opt for thick tomato slices for the perfect grilled chicken caprese panini.
- Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is a must to keep the classic caprese flavors.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves will give the sandwich that extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Use sea salt or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step by Step
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips & Tricks
- Grill Marks: To achieve those perfect grill marks, press down on the panini press slightly. Just be careful not to squash the sandwich too much.
- Bread Choices: While a traditional panini is made with Italian bread, feel free to experiment with other types, such as ciabatta or sourdough.
- Seasoning: Don't forget to season your chicken well before cooking. This will help bring out its natural flavors.
- Butter or Oil: Lightly brush your bread with olive oil or butter before grilling. This will give it a beautiful golden color and add an extra layer of flavor.
- Prep Ahead: You can cook your chicken and prepare your balsamic glaze ahead of time. This way, when you're ready to eat, all you have to do is assemble and grill the chicken and pesto panini sandwich.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Caprese Sandwiches make for the perfect lunch or light dinner.
Serve them with a side salad with tomato vinaigrette or some roasted potatoes and vegetables.
FAQs
What is a Caprese sandwich made of?
A Caprese sandwich is a classic Italian sandwich made with layers of fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and pesto or balsamic glaze.
It is typically served on Italian bread.
How do you store leftover caprese?
Leftover caprese sandwiches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap. Reheat as desired before serving.
How do I make a panini without a panini press?
If you don't have a panini press, you can use a skillet or grill pan on the stove. Heat over medium heat and add your sandwich.
Place another heavy object such as a cast-iron skillet on top of the sandwich to press it down. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Alternatively, you could also try using your oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and place the sandwich on a baking sheet. Top with another baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Tools
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- Panini Press
- Silicone Brush (for brushing the olive oil)
More Sandwich Recipes to Try
- This Turkey Avocado Panini is better than any sandwich you can find at your favorite sandwich shop. One bite, and you will be hooked.
- For a fun way to mix up mealtime, give this Brie Apple Sandwich a try.
- This Air Fryer Reuben is perfect for a busy weeknight!
- Your family will love this Slow Cooker French Dip.
Chicken Caprese Panini Sandwich
Equipment
- Panini Press
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 8 slices Italian bread
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup pesto
- ½ pound sliced cooked chicken
- 8 sliced tomato
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella
- ½ cup fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Pour the vinegar into a saucepan over medium-low heat and simmer for about 8 minutes, until it has been reduced in half.
- Preheat your panini maker.
- Brush one side of each slice of bread with oil and spread ½ tablespoon of pesto on each of the other sides of the bread.
- Layer the chicken, tomato, and mozzarella, and basil on four slices of the bread, oil side down.
- Drizzle with the balsamic reduction.
- Season with salt and pepper and top with the remaining bread, oil side up.
- Cook on a panini maker for 3 to 5 minutes, until the bread is brown and the cheese is melted.
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