Elevate lunch with a Balsamic Strawberry and Chicken Sandwich. The easiest meal that's healthy, tasty and fancier than the average sandwich.
Sandwiches are one of those foods that get brushed under the rug, because normally we just think of the boring ham and cheese sandwiches in our childhood lunch box. But as a dietitian and foodie, I say we bring back the sandwiches and embrace them as a balanced and delicious lunch! If you've tried my veggie Mediterranean sandwich or grilled pesto tofu sandwich, you know I don't mess around.
The truth is, you don't need to go to an expensive cafe to get a fancy sandwich. This balsamic strawberry and chicken sandwich can be made right at home in 15 minutes or less. Packed with fresh basil, spinach, and melt brie, I just know this will be your hyperfixation meal until strawberry season ends.
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Elegant but easy. This sandwich is one of those meals that feels so fancy but is actually very simple to put together. Exactly what you need during a busy day.
- Strawberries are full of nutrition. They're delicious, rich in antioxidants, fibre and vitamin C.
- Non-boring. We don't do boring sandwiches here. Try this balsamic strawberry and chicken sandwich if you still need convincing.
Ingredients
Bread. I love using a fresh loaf of crusty sourdough bread. The softness of the bread works great for getting the perfect texture in this sandwich. Sourdough also has some unique health benefits due to its fermentation process like increased nutrient bioavailability and a lower glycemic index.
Strawberries. These add sweetness, colour and flavour, plus some added vitamin c and fibre. The sweet flavour also pairs really well with basil and balsamic.
Basil. Fresh basil adds the perfect amount of earthy freshness to this sandwich.
Balsamic vinegar. Balsamic and strawberries pair perfectly to create the ultimate sweet but savoury flavour combination. It's a necessary hit of acidity to balance out the natural sweetness.
Spinach. Fresh spinach adds fibre, iron, folate, vitamin E and magnesium.
Brie. There's truly nothing better than a creamy melted brie. Pair it with the fresh strawberries, juicy chicken and perfectly toasted bread and you have the perfect sandwich
Chicken. For our protein of choice! You can use pre cooked chicken breast slices such as these or make your own using THIS recipe.
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Preheat your panini press to 400F on both the top and bottom.
- To a medium bowl, add sliced strawberries, basil and balsamic vinegar, mix to combine. Set aside.
- Butter both sides of booths slices of bread. On one slice, layer spinach and brie. On the other slice add a layer of chicken breast and top with balsamic coated strawberries (try not to add too much of the excess balsamic vinegar as this create sogginess).
- Place your sandwich in the panini press for about 5 minutes, or until light brown in colour.
- Slice in half and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: use a gluten-free bread of choice.
To make dairy-free: use a dairy-free cheese like this one.
To make vegetarian: replace the chicken with balsamic marinated and grilled tofu slices.
To make nut-free: this recipe is naturally nut-free.
Missing ingredients? Try these:
- Brie: a white cheese like mozzarella, aged cheddar or even goat cheese will all work. Even a mix of several cheeses could be delicious!
- Chicken: turkey slices, grilled tofu
- Spinach: arugula, spring mix
Try these additional add-ins to mix things up:
- Sliced avocado
- Pickled red onions
- Additional fresh basil
- Balsamic drizzle
- Apple slices
- Broccoli sprouts
Equipment
- Panini press
Storage
This balsamic strawberry and chicken sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. If made in advance, the bread will begin to get soggy.
If you would like to have everything prepped ahead of time, I recommend marinating your strawberries and basil in the balsamic and slicing your chicken and brie cheese. That way you can easily assemble and cook when you are ready to enjoy!
Top Tips for Success
To avoid your sandwich getting soggy, I recommend ensuring the strawberries are not touching the bread directly. This means add a layer of chicken or spinach under the berries to absorb some of the moisture. I also recommend draining the berries before adding them to the sandwich to avoid adding too much excess moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, absolutely not! You can easily enjoy this sandwich without grilling it if you prefer a fresh flavour.
You can just use the stove. Use a pan over medium heat to toast your sandwich until the cheese has melted.
More Sandwich Recipes
Looking for more non-boring sandwiches? Try these:
- Veggie Mediterranean Sandwich
- Grilled Pesto Tofu Sandwich
- Air Fryer Breakfast Sandwich
- Chicken Caesar Nugget Wrap
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this balsamic strawberry and chicken sandwich, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Balsamic Strawberry and Chicken Sandwich
Ingredients
- ¼ cup strawberries sliced (about 6 strawberries)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 teaspoon butter
- 3 ounces cooked chicken breast sliced thinly, try my recipe here
- ½ cup fresh spinach leaves
- 2 ounces brie cheese sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your panini press to 400F on both the top and bottom.
- To a medium bowl, add sliced strawberries, basil and balsamic vinegar, mix to combine. Set aside.
- Butter both sides of booths slices of bread. On one slice, layer spinach and brie. On the other slice add a layer of chicken breast and top with balsamic coated strawberries (try not to add too much of the excess balsamic vinegar as this will create a very moist sandwich).
- Place your sandwich in the panini press for about 5 minutes, or until light brown in colour. Slice in half and enjoy.
Nicole Addison says
Creamy brie, sweet and tangy strawberries and juicy chicken... this is the ULTIMATE summer sandwich! I hope you enjoy!