Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Sandwiches
Transport your taste buds to a sunny Mediterranean terrace with these delectable Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Sandwiches. Perfect for summer picnics or casual lunches, this recipe features grilled chicken marinated in a zesty olive oil and lemon mixture, layered with fresh, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. The ciabatta rolls, which are brushed with olive oil and grilled to perfection, add the ideal crusty texture to the sandwich. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile, ideal for serving at gatherings or simply enjoying during a leisurely day at home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (divided)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for grilling rolls)
Lemon
1 (zest, finely grated)
Fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons
Thyme leaves
1 tablespoon (fresh)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Kosher salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Tomatoes
2 (thinly sliced)
Chicken cutlets
12 (2 1/2 pounds) (1/2 inch thick)
Ciabatta rolls
6 (split)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
6 slices (1/3 inch thick)
Basil leaves
6 large
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, finely grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, thyme leaves, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Spoon 1 tablespoon of the marinade into a separate medium bowl. Add the thinly sliced tomatoes, tossing gently to coat them with the marinade. Set aside.
3
In the large bowl with the remaining marinade, add the chicken cutlets. Turn them to ensure they are evenly coated, then let them marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4
Prepare your grill by heating it to high. While the grill is preheating, brush the ciabatta rolls with the remaining 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and set aside.
5
Once the grill is hot, add the marinated chicken cutlets onto the grill. Season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until it is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
6
While the chicken is grilling, place the brushed ciabatta rolls on the grill until they are golden and slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7
To assemble the sandwiches, place the grilled chicken on the bottom half of the ciabatta rolls. Top each cutlet with a slice of fresh mozzarella, a few slices of tomato, and a large basil leaf. Drizzle some of the reserved tomato juices on the top half of the bun for extra flavor.
8
Close the sandwiches, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately, enjoying the taste of summer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in these Mediterranean sandwiches?
The main protein is 12 chicken cutlets, which weigh approximately 2.5 pounds.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
Ciabatta rolls are recommended for their ideal crusty texture when grilled.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
What ingredients are used to make the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme leaves, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
What is the recommended thickness for the chicken cutlets?
The chicken cutlets should be approximately 1/2 inch thick.
How should the tomatoes be prepared for the sandwich?
The tomatoes should be thinly sliced and tossed gently in a tablespoon of the reserved marinade.
What type of cheese is used in these sandwiches?
Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/3 inch thick, is used.
How long do you grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes in total, flipping once halfway through.
What is the instruction for preparing the ciabatta rolls?
Split the rolls, brush them with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and grill until golden for 2-3 minutes per side.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 minced garlic cloves.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme leaves are specified, you can substitute with dried thyme if necessary, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
What should be added to the sandwich for an aromatic touch?
A large fresh basil leaf is added to each sandwich for its aromatic qualities.
How is the lemon used in this recipe?
One lemon is used for both its finely grated zest and 1 1/2 tablespoons of its fresh juice.
What is the total number of ingredients required?
There are 13 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for summer picnics?
Yes, the recipe is described as perfect for summer picnics or casual lunches.
Should the chicken be seasoned before or during grilling?
The chicken should be seasoned with salt and pepper once it is placed on the hot grill.
How do you add extra flavor to the top half of the bun?
Drizzle some of the reserved tomato juices on the top half of the ciabatta roll.
What is the first step in preparing the marinade?
Whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
At what temperature should the grill be set?
The grill should be heated to a high temperature.
How do you assemble the sandwiches?
Place chicken on the bottom roll, top with mozzarella, tomato slices, a basil leaf, and the top bun.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and is designed to be easy to prepare.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both the marinade and the rolls.
How many tomatoes are required?
The recipe requires 2 thinly sliced tomatoes.
What should I do with the remaining marinade after coating the tomatoes?
Use the remaining large bowl of marinade to coat the chicken cutlets.
What category does this recipe fall into?
The recipe falls under the categories of sandwiches, lunch, and Mediterranean cuisine.
How many slices of mozzarella are needed?
You will need 6 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Should the sandwiches be served cold?
No, the sandwiches should be served immediately while the ingredients are fresh and the bread is crisp.
What is the texture of the ciabatta rolls after grilling?
They become golden and slightly crisp.
How many basil leaves are needed in total?
The recipe calls for 6 large fresh basil leaves.