Crispy Chicken Caprese Sandwich (Print version)

Golden breaded chicken with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato on crispy ciabatta. Serves 4 in 45 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1/3 cup olive oil for frying

→ For the Sandwich

11 - 4 ciabatta rolls, halved
12 - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
13 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
14 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
15 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
16 - 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
17 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets of uniform thickness.
03 - 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.
04 - Dredge each chicken cutlet in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - 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.
06 - Top each cutlet with mozzarella slices and bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is completely melted.
07 - Toast ciabatta rolls cut-side down until golden and crisp.
08 - On each roll bottom, arrange basil leaves and tomato slices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
09 - Place a crispy chicken cutlet with melted mozzarella on top of the tomato and basil layer. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
10 - Cap sandwich with the top half of ciabatta roll. Serve immediately while chicken is still warm and cheese is melted.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • The crunch from the pankoParmesan crust holds up beautifully against juicy tomato and fresh basil
  • Everything comes together in under an hour but tastes like something from a corner Italian deli
02 -
  • Let the fried chicken rest on the baking sheet for at least 2 minutes before adding cheesethis keeps the crust crispy instead of soggy
  • Pat tomato slices with paper towels before layering to prevent your sandwich from falling apart
03 -
  • Press the panko mixture firmly onto the chicken with your fingersany loose crumbs will fall off in the pan
  • Use a splatter guard or the mess will rival your deep fryer adventures
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