Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich Recipe

If you love all the tangy, creamy, crunchy magic of a Caesar salad but crave something more hearty and handheld, let me introduce you to your new obsession: the Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich. This recipe brings together juicy marinated chicken, stretchy mozzarella, and a garlicky homemade Caesar dressing, all packed between slices of golden, pan-grilled bread with crisp romaine and marinated onions for extra zing. It’s the sandwich you never knew you needed, but won’t be able to stop making!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—everything here is purposeful and actually quite simple to find. Every element, from the zesty marinade to the sharp cheeses and the garlicky Caesar dressing, comes together to create the layered flavors and signature comfort of this sandwich.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These become gloriously juicy after marinating and are the hearty protein backbone of our sandwich.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for marinating the chicken and getting that golden, crispy finish on your bread.
• Dried Oregano & Lemon Zest/Juice: Classic Mediterranean flavors that make the chicken bright and zesty.
• Garlic Cloves: Used both in the marinade and Caesar dressing, garlic adds that unmistakable punch.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To season everything with maximum flavor.
• Large Egg: Gives body and silkiness to your homemade Caesar dressing.
• Light Olive Oil: Blends into the dressing for that smooth, creamy texture.
• Anchovy Filets: Trust me on this one—they melt into the dressing for deep, umami flavor (not fishy, just fabulous).
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed—so much better than the bottled stuff for brightness!
• Sourdough or Gluten-Free Bread (like Canyon Bakehouse): The hearty base for your sandwich, gets golden and crisp when griddled.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Brings stretch and melt to the cheesy layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that nutty, sharp classic Caesar bite.
• Unsalted Butter: Combined with olive oil, it makes the sandwich exterior perfectly golden brown.
• Romaine Lettuce: You can’t have a Caesar without the crisp, refreshing crunch!
• Marinated Red Onions: A little tang and color—total flavor elevator.

Variations

This Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich is as adaptable as you need it to be—think of it as your canvas to play with flavors, textures, and personal favorites. You can change things up for dietary needs or whatever’s in your fridge.

• Gluten-Free Swap: Use your favorite gluten free sandwich bread or a big lettuce wrap for a lighter, breadless take.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Slice in a plant-based mozzarella and sprinkle in vegan parmesan to make it dairy free.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap in grilled marinated tofu or roasted chickpeas instead of chicken for all the same bold flavor but no meat.
• Add-Ons: Avocado slices, sliced tomatoes, or roasted peppers add bursts of freshness and color.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Mix together olive oil, dried oregano, crushed garlic, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Add your chicken breasts, toss well to coat, then cover and let the chicken soak in all that herby goodness in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is even better for maximum flavor!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Caesar Dressing

Crack an egg into a mason jar and blend it with a hand blender as you slowly drizzle in light olive oil to create an ultra-creamy base. Add in pressed garlic, anchovy filets, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper—blend until smooth and luscious. Chill in the fridge; this dressing gets even richer as it sits.

Step 3: Cook and Slice the Chicken

Let the marinated chicken come to room temperature, then sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil until beautifully golden and cooked through. Rest it briefly so the juices stay locked in, then slice it thinly—this keeps every bite of your Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich juicy and loaded with flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Griddle the Sandwiches

Layer mozzarella and parmesan on one slice of bread, pile juicy sliced chicken on the other, and close them up. Griddle each sandwich in a buttery-olive oil blend until golden and the cheese is melty, keeping finished sandwiches warm in a low oven as you finish the batch. Now the house smells incredible!

Step 5: Dress, Garnish, and Serve

Open the sandwiches, tuck in vibrant romaine leaves, drizzle with Caesar dressing, and scatter over marinated red onions for a colorful, punchy finish. Close ‘em back up, cut in half, and get ready—the best Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich of your life awaits!

How to Serve Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra parmesan, a scatter of freshly cracked black pepper, or a little drizzle of leftover Caesar dressing across the top brings gorgeous color and flavor. For a pretty touch, tuck a few extra marinated red onions or even a fresh basil leaf into the sandwich—these little details make the Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This sandwich is absolutely perfect with a cup of tomato basil soup or a chilled gazpacho. For something crunchy, serve it with kettle potato chips, crisp veggie sticks, or a light arugula salad drizzled with balsamic. Want a full-on bistro lunch vibe? Add a few marinated olives or garlic-roasted potatoes on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut each Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich on the diagonal and secure each half with a cute pick for parties or picnics. For a fun brunch or gathering, slice smaller portions and serve on a platter as sliders or tea sandwiches. Or break out the griddle and set up a “build-your-own” station with all the toppings and let guests create their ultimate Caesar masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra sandwich fillings or assembled sandwiches, store the chicken and Caesar dressing in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the bread and fresh toppings separate so everything stays crisp and delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked chicken and even the cheese by themselves, I don’t recommend freezing assembled Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches—the textures of the fresh veggies and the bread don’t survive the thaw. For easy meal prep, freeze the chicken in portions and defrost overnight in the fridge before building fresh sandwiches.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken, warm it gently in a covered skillet or microwave until just heated through—this helps maintain moisture. If you’re refreshing assembled sandwiches, pop them back on a skillet for a minute or two per side to re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese. Add romaine and dressing after reheating for the best flavor and crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever craved a Caesar salad you could eat with your hands, the Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich is about to become your new best friend. It’s hearty, crisp, creamy, and full of big flavors—and even easier to love. Trust me, once you take that first gooey, garlicky, tangy bite, you’ll be thinking up excuses to make it again and again!

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