• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1/2 lb total), pounded to 1/4-inch thickness
• 1 tbsp Castelvetrano olive oil (plus more for grilling/pan-frying)
• Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste
• Parisian Loaf
• 1/4 cup La Bella Romana pesto
• Belgioioso fresh mozzarella slices
• 1-2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
Preheat oven to 350°F
1. Prepare the Chicken:
o If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets (about 1/4 inch thick).
o Place each chicken cutlet between two pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
o Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano
o Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
o Cook the chicken for about 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the Bread:
o Slice the bread into desired sandwich length
3. Assemble the Sandwich:
o Spread a generous layer of pesto on the cut sides of both halves
o Place chicken on bread
o Layer with a few slices of fresh mozzarella.
o Add a layer of sliced tomatoes (we suggest seasoning tomatoes with salt and oregano)
o Place in preheated oven to allow bread to toast and cheese to melt
4. Serve:
o Serve the Caprese chicken sandwiches immediately for the best fresh flavor.
Tips and Variations:
• Marinating the Chicken: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator.
• Pesto Mayo: For an extra creamy kick, mix some pesto with mayonnaise to create a "pesto mayo" spread for your bread.
• Additions: Consider adding a handful of fresh arugula, spinach, or thinly sliced red onion for extra texture and flavor.
• Tomatoes: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes like beefsteak or heirloom for the best taste. Seasoning the tomatoes with a little salt and pepper can enhance their flavor