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 (thin-sliced preferred); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Kosher salt and pepper to taste; 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; 4 brioche buns; Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping; Romaine lettuce leaves, for topping; Lemon wedges, for spritzing

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich transforms the classic salad into a handheld masterpiece that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Juicy marinated chicken breasts are grilled to perfection, then nestled into toasted brioche buns with crisp romaine lettuce and a homemade Caesar dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Ready in under an hour, this sandwich delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort – making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Crispy: These chimichangas are bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tender chicken, a blend of spices, and a creamy, cheesy sour cream sauce. They’re also perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks.
Versatile: You can easily customize these chimichangas with your favorite fillings and toppings.
Freezer-Friendly: You can assemble these chimichangas ahead of time and freeze them for a quick and easy meal later on.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: Thin-sliced works beautifully here for quicker cooking and the perfect meat-to-bread ratio. They absorb the marinade better and cook more evenly.
Olive Oil: Forms the base of the marinade, helping to keep the chicken moist while grilling and carrying the flavors.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess to both the marinade and dressing while helping to tenderize the chicken.
Garlic: A flavor powerhouse that infuses both the chicken and the dressing with irresistible aroma and taste.
Brioche Buns: These buttery, slightly sweet buns toast beautifully on the grill and provide the perfect soft contrast to the crisp lettuce and savory chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings that distinctive nutty, salty flavor that’s essential to any Caesar creation.
Romaine Lettuce: Provides the classic Caesar crunch and freshness to balance the rich elements.
Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy dressing base with less fat than traditional Caesar while adding a pleasant tanginess.
Anchovy Paste: The secret ingredient that gives authentic Caesar dressing its distinctive umami depth. Don’t skip it!
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the creamy elements of the dressing.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and wedges for serving brighten everything up and cut through the richness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own with these tasty twists:

Bacon Lover’s Version: Add crispy bacon strips for an indulgent crunch and smoky flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and grill thick slices of portobello mushrooms or halloumi cheese instead.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Wrap It Up: Use large flour tortillas instead of buns for a handheld Caesar wrap that’s perfect for picnics.
Seafood Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for a delicious pescatarian version.

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 and whisk until well blended. Place chicken in a dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor. Remove from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to take the chill off.

Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

In a food processor, combine garlic, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until you have a creamy, emulsified dressing. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to high heat for 10-15 minutes. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes before assembling sandwiches.

Step 4: Toast the Buns

While the chicken rests, place brioche buns cut-side down on the grill for 30-60 seconds until lightly toasted and marked. Watch carefully to prevent burning!

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Spread Caesar dressing on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Layer with crisp romaine lettuce leaves, then top with the grilled chicken. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, add a spritz of lemon juice if desired, and finish with more Caesar dressing. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound the Chicken: If using regular chicken breasts, pound them to even thickness before marinating to ensure they cook evenly.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after grilling keeps it juicy. Cut into it too soon and those precious juices will run out.
Dressing Consistency: For a thicker dressing that stays put on your sandwich, add a bit more Greek yogurt. For a thinner, more drizzleable consistency, add a splash of water or extra lemon juice.
Anchovy Alternative: If you’re anchovy-shy, try a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce instead for a similar umami flavor.
Make-Ahead Magic: The dressing actually improves if made a day ahead, giving the flavors time to meld and develop.

How to Serve

These Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches stand beautifully on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your meal:

Side Dishes:

Pair with crispy sweet potato fries, a light cucumber salad, or classic potato chips for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Beverage Pairings:

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements these sandwiches beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or unsweetened iced tea works wonderfully.

Presentation:

Serve these sandwiches sliced in half on a wooden board with lemon wedges and extra dressing on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days, while the dressing stays fresh for 3-4 days.

Make Ahead

Marinate the chicken and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance for even better flavor. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken without drying it out, wrap loosely in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, slice the chicken thinly and warm quickly in a skillet with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches without a grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat for about the same amount of time. For that toasty bun, just pop them in a dry skillet for a minute or use your toaster.

Is there a substitute for anchovy paste in the dressing?
While anchovy paste provides that authentic Caesar flavor, you can substitute with Worcestershire sauce (about 1 teaspoon) or even a splash of fish sauce for similar umami notes. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious.

How can I meal prep these sandwiches for lunches?
Grill the chicken and prepare the dressing on Sunday. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Each morning, assemble a fresh sandwich but keep the dressing in a separate container to add just before eating. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay juicier. They’ll need slightly longer on the grill (about 5-7 minutes per side), so adjust accordingly and ensure they reach 165°F internally.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches bring all the beloved flavors of the classic salad into a convenient, handheld meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. With just the right balance of creamy dressing, juicy chicken, crunchy romaine, and toasty brioche, these sandwiches deliver satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a stepped-up lunch option, give these sandwiches a try – they might just replace your favorite restaurant Caesar!

Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches Recipe