Name: Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 8 slices crusty bread (sourdough or ciabatta recommended); 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped and well dried; 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup croutons, crushed (optional); 4 slices bacon, cooked and crispy (optional)

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Looking for a delicious way to transform the beloved Caesar salad into a hearty sandwich?

This chicken Caesar sandwich combines all the classic flavors you love – tender grilled chicken, crispy romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and sharp parmesan cheese – between two slices of perfectly toasted bread.

What Makes a Great Chicken Caesar Sandwich

A perfect chicken Caesar sandwich brings together the fresh, crisp elements of a traditional Caesar salad with the satisfying comfort of a well-made sandwich. The key lies in balancing textures and flavors while keeping the ingredients fresh and properly prepared.

The foundation starts with quality ingredients: juicy grilled chicken breast, fresh romaine lettuce, homemade or high-quality Caesar dressing, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and good bread that can hold up to the moisture without becoming soggy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly

8 slices of crusty bread (sourdough or ciabatta work best)
4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons, crushed (optional)
4 slices bacon, cooked and crispy (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have nice grill marks and be golden brown.

Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist. Slice the chicken into thin strips for easy sandwich assembly.

Making Homemade Caesar Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Add the grated parmesan cheese and minced anchovies if using.

Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. The consistency should be creamy but spreadable. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water or extra lemon juice.

Preparing the Bread

Toast the bread slices until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step is crucial because it prevents the bread from becoming soggy when you add the dressing and other wet ingredients.

You can use a toaster, toaster oven, or even grill the bread for extra flavor. Make sure both sides are evenly toasted.

Assembly Instructions

Building Your Sandwich

Start by spreading Caesar dressing generously on one side of each toasted bread slice. Don’t be shy with the dressing – it’s what makes this sandwich special.

Layer the romaine lettuce on four of the bread slices. The lettuce should be fresh, crisp, and completely dry to prevent soggy sandwiches.

Add the sliced chicken on top of the lettuce. Distribute it evenly to ensure every bite has plenty of protein.

Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the chicken. If you’re using crushed croutons or bacon, add them now for extra texture and flavor.

Top with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down. Press gently to help the sandwich hold together.

Serving Suggestions

Cut the sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately. This classic cut makes the sandwich easier to handle and looks more appealing.

Serve with crispy potato chips, a side of pickles, or a simple green salad. The sandwich pairs well with iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Chicken Preparation Tips

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout.

Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking for extra flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic works perfectly.

Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness – 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.

Bread Selection

Choose sturdy bread that won’t fall apart when loaded with ingredients. Sourdough, ciabatta, and focaccia are excellent choices.

Day-old bread often works better than fresh bread because it’s slightly drier and holds up better to moisture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare components separately if making ahead. Cook the chicken, make the dressing, and wash the lettuce up to 2 days in advance.

Store leftover chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s great for quick sandwich assembly during busy weekdays.

Keep dressing refrigerated for up to one week in an airtight container.

Variations and Substitutions

Bread Alternatives

Whole wheat bread for a healthier option
Pita pockets for a different presentation
Croissants for a buttery, flaky texture
Wraps or tortillas for a portable meal

Protein Variations

Grilled shrimp instead of chicken
Salmon fillets for a seafood twist
Turkey breast as a leaner option
Vegetarian protein like grilled tofu or tempeh

Additional Toppings

Avocado slices for creaminess
Sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness
Red onion for a sharp bite
Capers for extra brininess

FAQs

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, you can use high-quality store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time. Look for brands that use real parmesan cheese and avoid overly processed options.

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?

Toast the bread well and make sure all vegetables are completely dry before assembly. You can also create a barrier by spreading a thin layer of butter on the bread before adding the dressing.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble just before serving. However, you can prepare all components ahead of time and assemble quickly when ready to eat.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover chicken?

Reheat chicken gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before using in sandwiches.

Is there a healthier version of this sandwich?

Try using whole grain bread, light mayonnaise in the dressing, and adding extra vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers for a healthier twist.

Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

All the classic flavors of a Caesar salad: juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and parmesan, stacked between sturdy toasted bread for a hearty, satisfying sandwich.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Assembly

8 slices crusty bread (sourdough or ciabatta recommended)
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped and well dried
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons, crushed (optional)
4 slices bacon, cooked and crispy (optional)

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden with grill marks.
Transfer chicken to a plate and rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir in parmesan and anchovies if using. Season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of water or lemon juice if needed to thin.
Toast the bread slices until golden and crisp on both sides.
Spread Caesar dressing generously on one side of each toasted bread slice.
Layer romaine on four slices of dressed bread.
Top evenly with sliced chicken.
Sprinkle with grated parmesan; add crushed croutons and bacon if using.
Close with remaining bread slices, dressing side down, and press gently.
Cut sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling.
Marinate chicken 30 minutes to 2 hours in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for extra flavor.
Prevent sogginess by toasting bread well and ensuring lettuce is completely dry.
Bread options: sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, whole wheat, pita, croissants, or wraps.
Protein variations: grilled shrimp, salmon, turkey, or vegetarian options like tofu or tempeh.
Extra toppings: avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, or capers.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 714Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 31gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 1583mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 36g

The nutrition information provided is an estimate calculated using an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. Exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands, measurements, preparation methods, and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or use your own preferred nutrition calculator.

Author
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Kayden Sanders

Kayden Sanders is the home cook and recipe creator behind KaydenCooks.com. Passionate about simple, flavorful meals made with everyday ingredients, Kayden shares approachable recipes that anyone can make. When not in the kitchen, Kayden loves exploring new flavors, photographing food, and helping others feel confident while cooking at home.

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