Save The Crispy Chicken Caprese Sandwich is a mouthwatering Italian-American main dish that brings together the freshness of a classic salad with the heartiness of a breaded cutlet. Perfect for a medium-difficulty meal, it yields 4 servings in just 45 minutes. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch from the golden panko coating, paired with the creamy richness of fresh mozzarella and the bright acidity of ripe tomatoes on toasted ciabatta rolls.
Save This sandwich captures the very essence of Caprese flavors—basil, mozzarella, and tomato—and elevates them with a perfectly seasoned, parmesan-crusted chicken breast. Whether you're craving a high-quality sandwich at home or looking for a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe delivers on both taste and presentation.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup olive oil (for frying)
- For the Sandwich:
- 4 ciabatta rolls, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets.
- Step 3
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko mixed with Parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture.
- Step 5
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a baking sheet.
- Step 6
- Top each cutlet with mozzarella slices and bake for 5-7 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Step 7
- Toast ciabatta rolls until crisp.
- Step 8
- Assemble sandwiches: On each roll bottom, arrange basil leaves and tomato slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Step 9
- Place a crispy chicken cutlet with melted mozzarella on top. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- Step 10
- Cap with the top half of the ciabatta. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra layer of flavor, try rubbing the ciabatta rolls with a cut garlic clove immediately after toasting. This adds a subtle, savory aroma that complements the melted mozzarella and olive oil perfectly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you want to add a bit of a bite to your sandwich, you can substitute the fresh basil for arugula. The peppery greens provide a sharp contrast to the creamy cheese and sweet balsamic glaze.
Serviervorschläge
This Crispy Chicken Caprese Sandwich pairs excellently with a light Italian red wine. For a non-alcoholic option, enjoy it with refreshing sparkling water and a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate.
Save With 620 calories and 49g of carbohydrates per serving, this sandwich is a fulfilling meal that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. Serve it immediately while the cheese is gooey and the chicken is at its crispiest for the best dining experience.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the chicken breading crispy after adding the cheese?
Bake the mozzarella-topped chicken at 200°C (400°F) for only 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts. This short baking time maintains the crispy breading while ensuring the cheese reaches the perfect melted consistency.
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread and refrigerate the chicken cutlets up to 4 hours before cooking. Fry them directly from the refrigerator, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through while maintaining crispness.
- → What type of mozzarella works best for this sandwich?
Fresh mozzarella is ideal for its creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the basil and tomato. If unavailable, use sliced low-moisture mozzarella, though fresh varieties provide the most authentic Caprese experience.
- → Can I substitute basil with another herb?
Absolutely. Fresh arugula provides a peppery bite, while fresh oregano or parsley offer different Italian flavor profiles. Choose based on your preference and availability of fresh herbs.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store the breaded chicken and components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh sandwiches as needed since pre-assembled versions become soggy. Reheat chicken gently in a 180°C oven for 5-10 minutes.
- → What wine pairs well with this sandwich?
A light Italian red wine like Pinot Grigio or a young Chianti complements the crispy chicken and fresh tomato flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with fresh lemon provides a refreshing pairing.