Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sandwich captures everything you love about a Caesar salad but in a handheld form. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy lettuce, and creamy dressing delivers balanced flavor and texture. Plus, it’s customizable—add bacon, avocado, or even a fried egg for your perfect twist.
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Chicken Caesar Sandwich: A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Caesar Sandwich combines all the flavors of a classic Caesar salad in a hearty, handheld meal. Juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, tangy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese are layered on toasted bread or a soft bun for the perfect lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 4 slices toasted sourdough bread or 2 sandwich rolls
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/2 cup croutons, crushed (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- In a bowl, combine chopped romaine, Parmesan, Caesar dressing, and lemon juice (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
- Toast the bread or sandwich rolls until golden brown.
- Assemble the sandwich: layer sliced chicken on the bottom piece of bread, top with dressed lettuce mixture, and sprinkle with crushed croutons if desired.
- Close with the top slice of bread and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
- For a lighter option, use whole-wheat bread and low-fat Caesar dressing.
- Add crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Best served fresh, as lettuce can wilt if stored too long.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this sandwich. Grill, pan-sear, or bake them until golden brown and juicy. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience without compromising flavor.
Romaine Lettuce
Fresh, crisp romaine gives the sandwich that signature Caesar crunch. Be sure to pat it dry after washing to prevent sogginess.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan is key for its nutty, salty flavor. It blends perfectly with the Caesar dressing and gives that authentic restaurant-style taste.
Bread or Rolls
Use hearty bread like ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough that can hold up to the dressing and fillings without getting soggy. Toasting the bread lightly adds great texture.
Caesar Dressing
The heart of the sandwich. Made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan, it ties everything together. You can also opt for a lighter version using Greek yogurt.
Lemon Juice
A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and balances the richness of the cheese and mayo.
Garlic
Minced garlic adds a robust depth of flavor to the dressing—just enough to make it zesty without overpowering.
Dijon Mustard
Gives a subtle tang and sharpness, complementing the chicken beautifully.
Worcestershire Sauce
Adds umami depth and that signature Caesar undertone that rounds out the flavor.
Olive Oil
Use a good-quality olive oil for grilling the chicken and blending the dressing. It enhances both flavor and texture.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning the chicken and dressing to perfection.
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let them rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly. - Make the Caesar Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Add a drizzle of olive oil and whisk until smooth and creamy. - Prepare the Bread:
Lightly toast your chosen bread or rolls until golden. This prevents the dressing from soaking through and adds a nice crunch. - Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread a generous amount of Caesar dressing on both sides of the bread. Layer with romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Top with the other slice and press gently. - Serve:
Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately. It pairs beautifully with sweet potato fries or a side salad.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2–3 sandwiches, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Preparation and cooking take about 30 minutes total—20 minutes for cooking the chicken and 10 minutes for assembling everything.
Storage/reheating
For best results, store sandwich components separately. Keep the grilled chicken refrigerated for up to 3 days and the Caesar dressing in a sealed container for 5 days. Assemble fresh before eating. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes before adding to the sandwich. Avoid reheating the assembled sandwich to maintain its crisp texture.
Variations and Customizations
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap
Swap the bread for a whole wheat tortilla to make a portable version—great for on-the-go lunches.
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Use breaded chicken cutlets instead of grilled for extra crunch and indulgence.
Avocado Caesar Sandwich
Add sliced avocado for a creamy, buttery element that complements the tangy dressing.
Spicy Caesar Sandwich
Mix a pinch of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce into the dressing for a subtle heat.
Bacon Caesar Deluxe
Add crispy bacon strips for a smoky, savory upgrade that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
FAQs
What type of bread works best?
Ciabatta, sourdough, or a crusty baguette holds up best to the creamy dressing and hearty chicken.
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Yes, though homemade dressing tastes fresher. If using store-bought, choose one with real Parmesan and anchovy for authentic flavor.
How do I make this sandwich healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and grill the chicken without added oil.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely—thighs are juicier and add a richer flavor.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, cooked chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What toppings go well with this sandwich?
Tomatoes, avocado, or crispy bacon are all great additions.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Swap chicken for grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
How can I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative and vegan mayo in the dressing.
Can I grill the sandwich after assembling?
Yes, pressing it in a panini press adds a delightful crispness and melts the cheese slightly.
What side dishes go well with it?
Try pairing with Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, or fresh fruit for balance.
Conclusion
This Chicken Caesar Sandwich is the perfect blend of fresh, creamy, and savory flavors wrapped up in one irresistible bite. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable for your taste. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a casual lunch, this sandwich is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—it’s truly a modern twist on a timeless favorite.
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