Chicken Caprese Panini Recipe

I recently tried making this Chicken Caprese Panini recipe at home, and let me tell you—it blew me away. The mix of melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and grilled chicken layered between buttery brioche slices was absolute magic. 

It felt like eating a Caprese salad stuffed into the perfect sandwich form. While I was enjoying it, I was also looking for a stuffed peppers soup recipe to pair on the side, and this panini still stole the show. Let me walk you through how to make it just as good in your kitchen!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this Chicken Caprese Panini a few times, I’ve learned a few tips that make it even tastier. These little tweaks can level up the flavor and texture, and trust me—they’re worth it!

• Toast the bread slightly before assembling. This helps prevent sogginess and gives the sandwich a better crunch.
• Use room-temperature mozzarella. It melts more evenly and quickly that way.
• Add a light brush of garlic butter. Just before grilling, this adds a burst of flavor to the crust.
• Use leftover grilled chicken. It’s juicier and adds a smoky depth compared to plain cooked chicken.
• Let the sandwich rest for a minute after grilling. This keeps it from falling apart when you slice into it.

Easy and Delicious Variations You’ll Love

Want to make this sandwich fit your lifestyle or just spice things up? Here are some tasty variations that can still give you that amazing panini experience.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free mozzarella made from almond or cashew milk—it still melts beautifully.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace the brioche with low-carb bread and skip the glaze.
• Flavor Boost: Add a smear of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste under the chicken layer.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace the chicken with grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
• Add Crunch: A few arugula leaves can add a nice peppery bite if you’re feeling fancy.

And if you’re looking for other dinner recipes, you can also explore easy pasta dishes or sheet pan meals alongside this panini.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for This Recipe

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to whip up this tasty panini. Don’t worry—you probably have most of these already!

• Panini Press or Grill Pan – to get that crispy, golden crust on the sandwich.
• Sharp Knife – for slicing tomatoes and cheese neatly.
• Cutting Board – for prepping all the ingredients in one place.
• Spatula or Tongs – useful for flipping if you’re using a skillet instead of a press.
• Small Bowl – if you’re mixing up butter or glaze add-ins.

How to Serve Chicken Caprese Panini Like a Pro

Once your paninis are grilled to perfection, how you serve them makes a big difference! I like to cut them diagonally and plate them with a fresh basil leaf on top. You can also drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze over the top for that restaurant-style look.

Serve with a light salad, potato chips, or even a cup of warm tomato soup on the side. And if you’re already planning meals for the week, this pairs surprisingly well with my go-to Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe—perfect for switching things up while staying in flavor town!

How to Store Chicken Caprese Panini

Made too many or prepping ahead? Here’s how to store them like a pro so they still taste great later.

• Restoring: Store unassembled ingredients in separate airtight containers. Assemble and grill fresh for best texture.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as tomatoes and mozzarella don’t freeze well. They release too much moisture when thawed.
• Reheating: If you’ve already made it, reheat it in a skillet or panini press for 2–3 minutes to restore the crisp texture. Avoid the microwave—it makes the bread soggy!
• Shelf Life: Unassembled parts stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once grilled, enjoy within 24 hours for best flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese Panini

There are so many reasons why this sandwich is going to be your new favorite—here are just a few:

• Quick and Easy to Make: It only takes 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Customizable: You can tweak ingredients to fit your dietary needs or cravings.
• Perfect Texture Combo: Crunchy bread, melty cheese, and juicy fillings—every bite is perfect.
• Great for Meal Prep: Keep the components ready in the fridge and assemble when needed.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy this cheesy, savory treat.

More About This Sandwich Worth Knowing

This Chicken Caprese Panini is more than just a sandwich—it’s a smart way to combine leftover chicken with fresh ingredients for something truly gourmet. The contrast of warm, melted mozzarella and sweet balsamic glaze with fresh basil is what makes this dish stand out.

Using brioche bread not only adds a slightly sweet bite but also gives the sandwich a golden, crispy crust when grilled.

And don’t worry if you don’t have a panini press—you can still make it in a regular skillet with a spatula to press it down. Just make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. If you want to get even more creative, try turning this sandwich into mini sliders for a party platter or school lunchbox win!

Ben Carraoli

Chicken Caprese Panini Recipe

If you love Caprese salad and hearty sandwiches, this Chicken Caprese Panini is your dream come true. It blends fresh, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil with savory chicken and a hint of balsamic glaze. Whether you’re making it for lunch or a light dinner, it’s a quick and satisfying choice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Breakfast

Calories: 616

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon butter – use spreadable butter so it coats the bread evenly and gives a golden crust.
• 8 slices brioche bread – its soft slightly sweet texture crisps beautifully when grilled. You can also use ciabatta or sourdough.
• 1 pound cooked boneless chicken – thin-sliced for even layering and quick heating.
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese – slice it fresh for a creamy melt. Avoid pre-shredded for best texture.
• 2 tomatoes sliced 1/4-inch thick – choose ripe, firm tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripe for the best flavor.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze – adds a sweet tangy punch to cut through the richness.
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves – use whole clean leaves for that classic Caprese aroma.

Method

 

1. Start by preheating your panini press if you’re using one. Take your slices of brioche bread and lightly butter one side of each. This buttered side will face out during grilling for a golden, crispy finish. Slice your mozzarella and tomatoes ahead of time so the sandwich comes together quickly.
2. Place four slices of bread butter-side down. On each, layer sliced chicken evenly, followed by mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, and a few fresh basil leaves. Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy burst of flavor. Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
3. Place the sandwiches on your preheated panini press or into a hot skillet. If using a press, close the lid and grill for 1–2 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. If using a skillet, press the sandwich down slightly with a spatula, grill each side for about 2 minutes, then carefully flip and repeat.
4. Once grilled, remove the paninis and let them sit for a minute. Slice them in halves or quarters, depending on your serving preference. Serve warm with a light salad or chips on the side. The crispy crust, melty cheese, and flavorful filling make each bite incredibly satisfying.