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!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Upgrade: This isn’t your average chicken sandwich—it’s packed with Caesar salad flavor in every decadent bite!
- Perfectly Balanced Textures: Creamy dressing, gooey cheese, zippy onions, and crisp romaine—there’s a little bit of everything in here.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prep the chicken and dressing ahead for lightning-fast lunch or dinner any day of the week.
- Customizable For All: Head-to-toe adaptable—make it gluten free, dairy free, or even vegetarian if you like.
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!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich
- Maximize the Marinade: Don’t rush the marinating step—the longer you let the chicken soak, the more flavorful and juicy it will be.
- Low and Slow for Griddling: Keep the heat medium to avoid burning the bread before the cheese fully melts inside.
- Hand-Blend for Creaminess: Use a hand blender for the dressing to emulsify everything smoothly (no lumps or separation!).
- Slice Chicken Thin: Slicing the chicken breasts thinly ensures each bite of your sandwich is tender and well seasonned, never chewy or bland.
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
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for this sandwich?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for busy nights. Just slice it thinly and toss with a little marinade or Caesar dressing to infuse extra flavor before assembling your sandwich.
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Is it safe to use raw egg in the dressing?
If you’re concerned about using a raw egg, you can use a pasteurized egg or swap in 1/4 cup of good-quality store-bought mayonnaise as a substitute. The texture will still be rich and creamy, just a touch different from a traditional Caesar.
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What bread works best for Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich?
Sourdough is a classic choice for its tang and hearty structure, but you can use any sturdy sandwich bread you love, including gluten free varieties. Anything that crisps up well in a pan and holds all that filling is perfect.
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How far in advance can I make the sandwich components?
You can make the Caesar dressing up to two days ahead, and marinate the chicken up to overnight. The chicken can be cooked and sliced a day in advance as well—just build the sandwiches fresh for best texture.
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!
PrintChicken Caesar Salad Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in a delectable twist on the classic Caesar salad with this Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich. Layers of marinated grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and savory cheeses sandwiched between slices of sourdough bread deliver a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Creamy Caesar Dressing
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup light olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled and pressed
- 2 anchovy filets
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the chicken:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- Zest and juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the sandwiches:
- 8 slices of sourdough or gluten-free bread
- 6 ounces mozzarella, sliced
- 2 ounces Parmesan, shredded
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Romaine lettuce
- Marinated Red Onions
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture refrigerated for at least an hour.
- Make the dressing: Blend egg and oil, then add garlic, anchovies, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate.
- Cook the chicken: Sear marinated chicken until cooked through. Slice thinly.
- Make the sandwiches: Layer mozzarella, Parmesan, and chicken between bread slices. Grill until golden and cheese melts.
- To serve: Add romaine, Caesar dressing, and Marinated Red Onions to sandwiches. Cut in half and enjoy!
Notes
- You can prepare the dressing a day ahead.
- Adjust sandwich fillings to suit your preferences.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through before assembling sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1040mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg