Grilled Chicken Cheddar Basil Seeded Ciabatta Recipe | Seeded Ciabatta Sandwich
This Grilled Chicken Cheddar Basil Seeded Ciabatta is a simple, filling sandwich made with seeded ciabatta, grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese and fresh basil leaves. The chicken is lightly seasoned and cooked on a hot pan or grill pan until cooked through with light char marks. The seeded ciabatta is toasted until crisp outside while remaining soft inside. A few strips of red bell pepper add colour, mild sweetness and a little crunch. This Grilled Chicken Ciabatta Recipe is easy to prepare at home and works well for lunch, brunch or a light dinner.
Servings 1 serving
Calories 520kcal
Equipment
- Grill pan or heavy non-stick pan – For grilling the chicken and lightly toasting the seeded ciabatta.Kitchen knife and chopping board – For slicing the chicken, ciabatta, basil and red bell pepper.Tongs or spatula – For turning the chicken and handling the toasted bread without breaking it.Small mixing bowl – For combining the chicken seasoning before grilling.
Ingredients
- 1 seeded ciabatta roll halved horizontally
- 150 –180 g boneless chicken breast thinly sliced or lightly flattened for even cooking
- 2 –3 slices cheddar cheese
- 8 –10 fresh basil leaves
- ½ red bell pepper deseeded and cut into thin strips (optional)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breast dry with a kitchen towel. Season both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper and olive oil. If using, add a little garlic powder or dried oregano. Rub the seasoning evenly over the chicken and leave it aside for 5–10 minutes.
- Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Heat a grill pan or heavy non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken on the hot pan and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, depending on its thickness. The chicken should be cooked through with light char marks on the outside.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for 3 minutes. Slice it thinly against the grain.
- Step 3: Toast the Seeded Ciabatta
- Cut the seeded ciabatta horizontally into two halves. Lightly brush the cut sides with a little oil. Place them cut-side down in the same pan and toast for 1–2 minutes, until the surface is lightly golden and crisp.
- Do not toast for too long, as the ciabatta should remain slightly soft inside.
- Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
- Place the bottom half of the toasted ciabatta on a plate. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken evenly over the bread. Place the cheddar cheese slices over the warm chicken so that the residual heat starts to soften the cheese.
- Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper and fresh basil leaves. Cover with the top half of the seeded ciabatta and press gently.
- Step 5: Serve
- Cut the Grilled Chicken Cheddar Basil Seeded Ciabatta into two portions if serving as smaller sandwiches. Serve immediately while the seeded ciabatta is crisp, the chicken is warm, and the cheddar is soft.
- This Grilled Chicken Ciabatta Recipe is best served fresh for lunch, brunch or a light dinner.
Notes
- Rest the grilled chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain its juices and keeps the Grilled Chicken Ciabatta Recipe moist.
- Choose good cheddar: Use a good-quality cheddar that melts well. It gives the Chicken Cheddar Basil Sandwich a better texture and flavour.
- Use fresh basil: Fresh basil works best in this Grilled Chicken Cheddar Basil Seeded Ciabatta. Dried basil will not give the same fresh flavour.
- Add some heat: For a spicy Cheddar Basil Chicken Sandwich, spread a thin layer of green chutney on the toasted ciabatta or add a few thin slices of green chilli.
- Use leftover chicken: Leftover grilled chicken can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day and used to prepare another Seeded Ciabatta Sandwich.
- No seeded ciabatta? Use a regular ciabatta instead. If you like the extra texture of a Homemade Seeded Ciabatta, sprinkle a small amount of sesame or other suitable seeds over the bread before lightly toasting.
- Keep the bread crisp: Assemble the Grilled Chicken Cheddar Basil Seeded Ciabatta just before serving so the toasted ciabatta does not become soggy.