Name: Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (use thin-sliced chicken for better texture); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 4 brioche buns; Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for topping; Romaine lettuce leaves, for topping; Lemon wedges, for spritzing; Caesar dressing; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon anchovy paste; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 lemon, juiced; 1/3 cup olive oil

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This Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich is a game-changer for your weeknight dinner rotation. Juicy marinated chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a homemade Caesar dressing come together between toasted brioche buns for a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Satisfying: Transform a classic Caesar salad into a hearty, handheld meal that’s ready in about 30 minutes of active cooking time.
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tangy Caesar dressing, savory grilled chicken, and buttery brioche buns create a combination that’s absolutely irresistible.
Versatile: Easily customizable based on what you have on hand – make it lighter or more indulgent depending on your mood.
Crowd-Pleaser: These sandwiches are impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a regular weeknight dinner.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breasts: Thin-sliced works beautifully here, giving you the perfect meat-to-bread ratio. They also cook faster, which means dinner on the table sooner!
Olive oil: Forms the base of our marinade, helping to keep the chicken moist and flavorful on the grill.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth to both the marinade and dressing – don’t skip this!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. Trust me, pre-minced just isn’t the same here.
Brioche buns: These buttery, slightly sweet buns elevate this sandwich from good to great. Worth splurging on!
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best, adding that unmistakable nutty flavor that defines a Caesar.
Romaine lettuce: Provides the essential crunch that balances the tender chicken perfectly.
Lemon wedges: A fresh spritz brightens the entire sandwich and cuts through the richness.
Greek yogurt: The secret to a healthier Caesar dressing that still feels indulgent.
Anchovy paste: Just a touch gives that authentic Caesar flavor without any fishiness.
Red wine vinegar: Adds the perfect acidic tang to balance the creamy dressing.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, salmon fillets, or even portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Bread Choices

Try ciabatta rolls, sourdough, or whole grain bread if brioche isn’t available. Each brings its own character to the sandwich.

Add Some Heat

Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade or dressing for a spicy kick.

Bacon Lover’s Version

Add crispy bacon strips for an extra layer of flavor and texture that pairs wonderfully with the Caesar elements.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine olive oil, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place chicken in the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

Whisk together minced garlic, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to high heat for 10-15 minutes. Place marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

While the chicken rests, place brioche buns cut-side down on the grill for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted and marked.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread Caesar dressing on the bottom bun, add romaine lettuce, top with grilled chicken, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon. Drizzle with additional dressing and cap with the top bun.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound the Chicken: If not using thin-sliced chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it juicy. Cut into it too soon, and you’ll lose all those flavorful juices.
Make Extra Dressing: This homemade Caesar dressing is too good to make just once. Double the recipe and keep it in your fridge for salads throughout the week.
Toast Those Buns: A toasted bun stands up better to the dressing and adds another texture dimension to your sandwich.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these sandwiches with sweet potato fries, a light side salad, or some crispy roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.

Drink Suggestions

A cold lemonade, iced tea, or even a light beer pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of this sandwich.

Presentation Tips

Leave the sandwiches open-faced until just before serving for a beautiful presentation that shows off all the components.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store assembled sandwiches wrapped individually in aluminum foil or parchment paper in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, keep components separate.

Freezing

The marinated, uncooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

Reheating

Warm leftover chicken in a 325°F oven for 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Assemble the sandwich with fresh toppings.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich without a grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, or even bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes until it reaches 165°F internally.

Is there a substitute for anchovy paste in the Caesar dressing?
For a similar umami flavor without anchovies, try using 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt. The flavor profile will be different but still delicious.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken overnight, make the dressing up to 3 days ahead, and prep your lettuce and other toppings the morning of. When dinnertime comes, you’ll just need to grill and assemble.

How can I make this sandwich healthier?
Use whole grain buns instead of brioche, increase the lettuce portion, use more Greek yogurt and less oil in the dressing, or serve it as an open-faced sandwich to reduce carbs.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich takes everything you love about the classic salad and transforms it into a satisfying, handheld meal. With just the right balance of crisp, creamy, and savory elements, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family on a busy weeknight or impressing friends at a casual gathering, these sandwiches deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Give them a try tonight!