Grilled Chicken Breast (4 boneless, skinless breasts)
Can be seasoned with olive oilsalt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
Ciabatta Rolls (4 rolls, or your preferred bread like sourdough or whole wheat)
A heartytoasted bread to hold all the ingredients together.
Romaine Lettuce (1 head)
Fresh and crisp lettuce for a satisfying crunch.
Caesar Dressing (1/2 to 3/4 cup)
Homemade or store-bought; creamy with flavors of garlicParmesan, and anchovies.
Croutons (1/2 cup, optional)
Adds an extra crunch; homemade or store-bought.
Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated)
Adds a richsalty flavor.
Olive Oil (for grilling chicken)
For seasoning and grilling the chicken.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
For seasoning the chickenoptional if you prefer extra flavor.
Lemon Juice (from 1 lemon)
To marinate the chicken or to add freshness to the sandwich.
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Essential for seasoning the chicken and dressing.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken:
Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a little lemon juice. You can also marinate it for 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop with a little olive oil if you don't have a grill.
Let the Chicken Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it thinly against the grain for tender pieces that will fit well inside your sandwich.
Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Salad
Wash and Dry the Lettuce:
Cut the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and wash thoroughly. Dry the lettuce using a salad spinner or a clean kitchen towel.
Make the Caesar Dressing:
If you're making your own dressing, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1-2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp anchovy paste (optional). Add salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the Lettuce with Dressing:
In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated. You can add extra Parmesan cheese for a richer taste. Mix in the croutons for a crunchy texture.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Toast the Ciabatta Rolls:
Slice the ciabatta rolls in half. Toast them lightly in a toaster or on a grill pan until the bread is crispy and golden brown on the edges. This will help the sandwich hold together and keep the bread from getting soggy when the dressing is added.
Step 4: Assemble the Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Spread the Dressing:
Optionally, you can spread a thin layer of Caesar dressing on both sides of the toasted ciabatta roll for extra flavor.
Add the Grilled Chicken:
Place a generous portion of the sliced grilled chicken breast onto the bottom half of the toasted bread.
Layer the Caesar Salad:
Top the chicken with the Caesar salad mixture (romaine lettuce, croutons, and dressing).
Top with Parmesan:
Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top of the salad for an added savory flavor.
Step 5: Serve the Sandwich
Close the Sandwich:
Place the top half of the ciabatta roll onto the sandwich to close it.
Serve Immediately:
Slice the sandwich in half, serve, and enjoy! You can garnish the plate with some extra croutons or a side salad.
Optional Variations:
Spicy Chicken Caesar Sandwich: Add a little hot sauce or chili flakes to the chicken or dressing for a spicy kick.
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich: Replace the grilled chicken with crispy fried chicken for an extra crunch.