Loaded with roast chicken, olives, radishes, avocado, tomatoes and more, this open-faced toast is warmed with fresh mozzarella for a quick meal packed with flavor.
Admittedly, I am not someone who is much into cooking or seeking out recipes that can be made quickly. This is mostly because I find cooking therapeutic. I like to take my time in the kitchen and look for interesting recipes, alternative flavors, and new techniques. With that being said, since I have gotten my hands on my friend Emily’s new cookbook The Clever Cookbook, I have been really enjoying the ease of cooking quick recipes for my family. As I mentioned in here, her book is full of easy and quick recipes that are tailored towards home cooks with busy schedules. The more I cook from it the more I feel as though I have a new appreciation for meals that can be made quickly without sacrificing the flavor. And this Open-Face Chicken Caprese Sandwich is the first of many to come to your way.
The inspiration for this recipe came from a café in our neighborhood. It is mostly a bakery, but they do have a small menu with some really creative and delicious dishes. Dwight had ordered a slightly different version of this open-face sandwich and we both immediately thought that we should recreate this in our own kitchen. Don’t you love when that happens? 
The one and important thing about this recipe is the bread. You want to make sure that your bread tastes really good. I recommend buying a large loaf from your local bakery. I bought mine as a whole, but next time I will have them slice it because it was a challenge to slice it in equal thickness by hand. Therefore, if you have the options have them slice it for you.
The recipe below is a spinoff of the classic Caprese salad we all love. I gave it my own twist and continued with the Mediterranean flavors by adding some olives into the recipe, mainly because I love the flavor and saltiness that they add into the dish. In addition, I added some ripened sliced avocados for creaminess and some thinly sliced radishes for some crunchiness. They not only freshen up the sandwich, but also give it a height that makes it look so appetizing. If you are vegetarian or do not have chicken on hand, feel free to omit it. It still tastes heavenly.
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Chicken Caprese Toast
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Roast chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh mozzarella on toasted bread. A quick, flavorful meal perfect for brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (237 ml) vine-ripened tomatoes
- 3 stalks chopped scallions
- 10-12 Kalamata and green olives in oil (pitted and sliced thinly - olive oil reserved)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- salt and pepper
- 2 slices large whole wheat grain bread
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegenaise
- 1/2 ripe avocado (sliced thinly)
- 3 radishes (sliced thinly)
- handful basil leaves
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Pat-dry chicken breasts with paper towels. Rub each with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove from oven, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- While chicken roasts, prepare the Caprese salad: Place tomatoes, scallions, olives (with their oil), and lemon juice in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Slice chicken into 1-inch thick slices.
- Place bread slices on a cutting board. Spread each with 1 tablespoon vegenaise (or mayo).
- Divide the Caprese salad among the bread slices.
- Top with avocado and radish slices and basil leaves.
- Place 3 slices of mozzarella on each sandwich.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15 minutes, or until cheese is slightly melted.
- Optionally, sprinkle sandwiches with red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- If you don’t have vegenaise, mayonnaise works as a delicious substitute.
- Store leftover chicken separately from the Caprese salad components to maintain freshness. Reassemble the toasts before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bread should I use for the Chicken Caprese Toast?
It’s best to use a large loaf of good quality bread from your local bakery, as the flavor of the bread is crucial for this recipe.
How can I ensure the mozzarella melts properly on the toast?
To achieve a good melt, place the toast with the mozzarella under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Can I substitute the olives in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute olives with other ingredients like capers or even pickled vegetables if you prefer a different flavor profile.
