Crispy Chicken Caprese Sandwich (Printable Version)

Golden breaded chicken with fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomato on crispy toasted ciabatta. Italian-American comfort at its finest.

# What You'll 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

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Gather all ingredients and prepare your work station with three shallow bowls for the breading station.
02 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets of uniform thickness for even cooking.
03 - In the first bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, beat eggs. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, 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 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a baking sheet.
06 - Top each cutlet with mozzarella slices and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
07 - Toast ciabatta rolls until crisp and golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes in the oven or toaster oven.
08 - On each roll bottom, arrange fresh basil leaves and tomato slices. Season with salt and black pepper.
09 - Place a crispy chicken cutlet with melted mozzarella on top of the tomato and basil. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze.
10 - Cap each sandwich with the top half of ciabatta roll. Serve immediately while chicken and cheese are warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Satisfying Crunch: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible golden crust.
  • Fresh & Vibrant: Ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves provide a bright, clean contrast to the savory fried chicken.
  • Elevated Comfort: It transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet Italian-American sandwich that works for both lunch and dinner.
02 -
  • Ensure the oil is hot before frying to prevent the breading from becoming greasy.
  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting quality and creamy texture.
  • Always check bread and cheese labels for hidden allergens to ensure a safe meal.
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