This Chicken Caprese Sandwich has chicken breasts, with tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, all tucked into a warm ciabatta roll slathered with pesto. It’s fresh and full of flavor and checks every box. It all comes together in one bite, exactly the way a caprese sandwich should.
This recipe is one we’ve been making and tweaking for years, ever since friends first introduced it to us. I love a good caprese, but let’s be honest, not all caprese sandwiches are created equal. Some are good and simple, and others are the kind that make you forget all conversation at the table. This chicken caprese sandwich is firmly in that second category.
Many of you have loved our balsamic glazed caprese sandwich, but this version actually came first. It’s easy to adapt, whether you make it with chicken, vegetarian, or gluten-free, and it’s been a go-to ever since. However you make it, this is one sandwich worth keeping in your rotation.
Ingredients For Chicken Caprese Sandwiches
This Caprese Chicken Sandwich is the perfect solution for turning leftover chicken breasts into something fresh, flavorful, and exciting. Transform your leftovers into a meal that is anything but ordinary.
- Skinless Chicken Breasts: juicy, grilled base for the sandwich
- Olive Oil: used to cook the chicken and add richness
- Garlic: lightly infuses the oil for extra flavor
- Pesto: Made from fresh basil leaves, herbs, kosher salt, black pepper, pine nuts, and parmesan. Adds classic basil flavor and moisture
- Fresh Mozzarella: Slices of Fresh Mozzarella Cheese melt over the chicken for a creamy caprese layer. It really has to be fresh mozz…it’s just soooooo much better for this type of sandwich!
- Roma Tomatoes: fresh tomato slices that balance the richness
- Balsamic Vinegar Glaze: A sweet, tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze is the perfect finish to the sandwich
- Ciabatta Rolls or Kaiser Rolls: sturdy, toasted rolls perfect for caprese sandwiches
All the measurements and details can be found in the recipe card below.
My Secrets to the BEST Chicken Caprese Sandwich!
A one-skillet dinner that’s healthy, easy AND flavorful?! That’s right, this cheesy chicken, sweet potato and kale skillet meal is nutritious and delicious, just the way a busy weeknight meal should be!
Easily one of my go-to meals lately, my savory chicken and sweet potato recipe is packed with kale, veggies and protein.
There’s a lot of talk about perimenopause lately, so I wanted to create a dish that is not only perfect for busy families, but also something to help support those feeling like they might be entering perimenopause in their 30s and 40s. Heck, it’s a great recipe for menopause too! I love how healthy and balanced this meal is!
Perimenopause Recipe
Why it works: Kale offers iron and magnesium, and sweet potatoes provide complex carbs to support hormone balance. Prep time: 15 min | Cook time: 25 min Bonus: One-pan cleanup!
Ingredients for Healthy Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
- Chicken Breasts: Main protein; provides heartiness, structure, and a mild flavor that carries the spices.
- Salt and Pepper: Core seasonings; salt enhances natural flavors, while pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky depth and warmth without spiciness, complementing the bacon and sweet potatoes.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Brings a touch of heat to brighten the dish and balance the sweetness of the potato.
- Bacon: Adds savory richness, smokiness, and a crisp texture that contrasts with tender chicken and vegetables.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing; carries flavors, prevents sticking, and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic: Infuses the skillet with aromatic depth, boosting the savory base of the dish.
- Sweet Potato: Adds natural sweetness, creaminess, and substance, balancing the spice and savory flavors.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the skillet moist, helps cook the sweet potatoes, and builds a flavorful base.
- Kale: Provides a slightly bitter, earthy contrast, plus color, texture, and nutrients.
- Lemon: Adds brightness and acidity at the end, cutting through richness and making flavors pop.
- Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts into the skillet for extra umami and richness.
How to Make Chicken Kale Skillet
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces and season with all the seasonings.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the chopped bacon in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Remove to a plate.
If you’ve ever found yourself craving that tender, flavorful Cafe Rio shredded chicken, you’re in the right place! This slow cooker recipe makes it easy to have those bold, zesty flavors right at home—without the takeout line. It’s family-friendly, perfect for meal prep, and honestly one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd.
This chicken dinner recipe is one of those life saver crock pot (slow cooker) recipes. I love that you can throw everything together in less than 5 minutes, let it cook all day and then feel like a hero as you serve it to your family for dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Cafe Rio Chicken
- Hands-off crock pot recipe – take 5 minutes to throw all the ingredients in the crockpot, set it and walk away
- Just a few pantry ingredients – only 5 ingredients needed!
- Freezer-friendly & great for meal prep – freeze for another meal or eat it throughout the week
- Works in tacos, burritos, salads, and more – so versatile!
- Copycat flavor at a fraction of the price – restaurant prices are insane these days, so I try to make more restaurant copycats at home
- Great for a crowd or to share with a neighbor – It’s a great dinner idea to take to someone who may need a family friendly meal.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Cafe Rio Chicken
You only need 5 ingredients to make this delicious chicken recipe! And you literally toss it all in the slow cooker let it cook. Here is the ingredients list:
- Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing: Acts as the flavorful marinade base. The vinegar tenderizes the chicken while the herbs and spices infuse it with that bold, tangy punch Cafe Rio chicken is known for. Avoid the fat free dressing.
- Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy depth and a hint of smokiness that balances the tangy dressing.
- Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and layers of chili pepper flavor, making the chicken savory and robust without being overly spicy.
- Garlic: Boosts the savory notes and gives the chicken that aromatic, crave-worthy flavor.
- Chicken Breasts: The protein star of the recipe; they soak up all the marinade flavors and shred beautifully after slow cooking, just like Cafe Rio’s signature chicken.
- Creamy Tomatillo Cilantro Ranch Dressing: The famous Cafe Rio sauce! Creamy, tangy, and fresh, it ties everything together when drizzled over salads, tacos, or burritos.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: The perfect base. Light, fluffy, and bright from the lime and cilantro, it balances the richness of the chicken and dressing, just like at the res
Healthy Harvest Chicken Casserole is a comforting and nutritious dish that combines tender, lean chicken with an array of colorful vegetables, wild rice, and a light, creamy honey mustard sauce.
This casserole recipe was inspired by a salad I had a few years ago up in Park City, UT. I haven’t been able to get the flavors out of my head since, so I converted it into a casserole and I’m obsessed!
This hearty casserole offers a wholesome balance of flavors, from the savory chicken to the sweetness of seasonal vegetables. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients for Healthy Harvest Chicken Casserole
There is nothing complicated about the ingredients for this healthy chicken recipe. You’ll need a few seasonal vegetables and some seasonings. Here is everything you’ll need:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: used to sauté the potatoes and vegetables
- Sweet Potatoes: adds heartiness and a touch of sweetness to the dish
- Brussels Sprouts: If you aren’t a brussel sprouts fan, use broccoli instead.
- Red Onion: adds flavor
- Garlic: adds flavor
- Chicken Broth: helps cook all the vegetables and chicken completely
- Seasonings: Dried Thyme, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Kosher Salt and Pepper
- Chicken Breasts: use boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Honey Mustard Dressing: adds flavor, moisture
- Wild Rice: I love the flavor of wild rice with the recipe, but you can use any type of rice you like.
- Toppings: Sliced Almonds, Pepitas and Dried Cranberries (all optional but I love the texture and flavors they add)
The measurements for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.
How to Make Harvest Chicken Casserole
This delicious casserole is packed with protein and healthy vegetables, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in. Here are the steps for making it…
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- Sauté: Heat a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat then add the oil. Add the sweet potatoes, brussels and red onion and season them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes and then reduce the heat to medium. Once everything starts browning, add the garlic and cookie it for 30 seconds.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add half of the chicken and all the seasonings and stir everything together. Cover the pot and cook for 5 minutes then place in a casserole dish.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the heat to medium-high, add a little oil to the