01 -
First things first, get that chicken ready! If it's not already cooked, quickly grill or pan-sear a breast, then let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing it. While that's happening, wash and thoroughly dry your romaine lettuce. I swear by a salad spinner for this; nothing worse than a soggy sandwich. Then, give it a rough chop. You want pieces that are easy to eat, not giant floppy leaves. This is where I always make sure everything is prepped before I start assembling, saves a lot of chaos.
02 -
Okay, this step is crucial for the best Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe. Slice your ciabatta or baguette lengthwise. You can lightly brush it with a little olive oil, then toast it in a dry pan, under the broiler, or in a toaster oven until it's golden brown and slightly crispy. Honestly, that little bit of toast makes all the difference in preventing a soggy bottom. I've definitely skipped this before and regretted it, ending up with a sad, limp sandwich. Don't be like past me!
03 -
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded or diced chicken with the Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely coated. This mixture should smell so good, garlicky and tangy! If you're using garlic powder, this is the time to add a dash. I usually taste it here and adjust the seasoning; sometimes it needs a bit more pepper or lemon. Trust your gut!
04 -
Now for the romaine and parmesan. Fold in your chopped romaine lettuce and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese into the chicken mixture. You want it to be well distributed, so every bite gets that lovely crunch and salty goodness. Don't overmix, though; we want the lettuce to stay crisp, not get bruised. I sometimes add a few crushed croutons here too, for an extra textural party!
05 -
Time to put it all together! Spread a little extra Caesar dressing (or mayo, if you're into that) on the toasted bread halves. Then, generously spoon the chicken and romaine mixture onto the bottom half of the bread. Pile it high, because honestly, who wants a skimpy sandwich? This is where my kitchen usually gets a little messy, but it's all part of the fun, right?
06 -
Top with the other half of the bread. You can press it down gently to help everything meld. If you want, slice the Chicken Caesar Sandwich in half or into smaller portions, depending on how you're serving it. What you should see is a vibrant, packed sandwich, smelling of garlic and fresh parmesan. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect crunch and creamy filling. It’s truly a satisfying bite!