Save to Pinterest Some Wednesday afternoons call for something quick but not boring, and that's when I started grilling chicken just to throw it in a sandwich with whatever I had around. One afternoon I had leftover Caesar dressing in the fridge and thought, why not just build the whole thing around that? The smell of garlic and Parmesan hitting warm chicken was enough to make me forget I was technically just making lunch. It turned into one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something that tastes like I tried, but didn't really.
I made these for a friend who swore she didn't like sandwiches because they were never filling enough. She ate hers standing up in the kitchen, then asked if there was any chicken left. I think the combination of the juicy grilled cutlets and the sharpness of the Parmesan won her over. Now she texts me every few weeks asking if I'm making "those Caesar things" again.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Slicing them horizontally into thinner cutlets is the trick to getting them cooked evenly and quickly without drying out.
- Olive oil: Just enough to help the seasoning stick and keep the chicken from sticking to the grill.
- Garlic powder: It gives you that Caesar vibe without having to mince fresh garlic, and it doesn't burn on the grill.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the dressing and Parmesan do the talking.
- Brioche or burger buns: Brioche adds a little sweetness and gets beautifully golden when toasted.
- Romaine lettuce: The crunch is non-negotiable, and it holds up way better than softer greens.
- Caesar dressing: Store-bought works perfectly, but if you have homemade, even better.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts slightly into the warm chicken and adds that salty, nutty finish.
- Tomato (optional): I skip it sometimes, but when tomatoes are good, they add a nice juicy contrast.
Instructions
- Get the grill ready:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high so it's hot enough to get those nice char marks without sticking. If you're using a pan, let it heat for a good three minutes.
- Slice the chicken:
- Lay each chicken breast flat and carefully slice it horizontally to make two thinner cutlets. This cuts the cooking time in half and keeps everything tender.
- Season generously:
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don't be shy, the seasoning matters here.
- Grill the chicken:
- Place the cutlets on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until they're golden with grill marks and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Let them rest for 5 minutes so the juices settle back in.
- Toast the buns:
- While the chicken rests, put the buns cut side down on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes until they're lightly golden and crisp. This keeps them from getting soggy later.
- Build the sandwich:
- Spread a generous tablespoon or two of Caesar dressing on the bottom bun, then layer with romaine, a chicken cutlet, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and tomato if you're using it. Drizzle a little more dressing on top, close it up, and serve right away.
Save to Pinterest There was one evening I made these for a small backyard hangout, and everyone just stood around the grill waiting for the next batch instead of sitting down. We ended up eating them outside, still warm, with our hands a little messy from the dressing. It became less about the meal and more about the moment, which is exactly what a good sandwich should do.
What to Serve Alongside
These sandwiches are hearty on their own, but I like to keep it simple with a handful of kettle chips or a quick side salad. If you want something warm, roasted sweet potato wedges or garlic parmesan fries work really well. A cold beer or a crisp white wine makes it feel like more of an occasion, even if it's just a Tuesday.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I marinate the chicken in Caesar dressing for 30 minutes before grilling, which amps up the flavor even more. You can swap the brioche for whole wheat or gluten-free buns depending on what you need. I've also added crispy bacon on top when I'm feeling indulgent, and it turns the whole thing smoky and rich. If you like heat, a few slices of pickled jalapeños tucked under the chicken work surprisingly well.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftover grilled chicken, store it separately from the buns and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just until warm. Build the sandwich fresh when you're ready to eat so the lettuce stays crisp and the bun doesn't get soggy.
- Don't assemble sandwiches ahead of time, they won't hold up well.
- You can prep the chicken and toast the buns earlier in the day, then build everything right before serving.
- Caesar dressing keeps for about a week in the fridge, so you can always make more sandwiches later.
Save to Pinterest This sandwich has become my go-to when I want something satisfying without spending an hour in the kitchen. It's proof that simple ingredients and a hot grill can turn into something you'll crave all week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Total time is 30 minutes: 15 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking. This includes slicing the chicken, grilling, and assembling the sandwiches.
- → Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
Yes, marinating the chicken in Caesar dressing for 30 minutes before grilling adds extra flavor. You can prepare this the night before and grill when ready to serve.
- → What temperature should the chicken reach?
Grill chicken until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F), which takes about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- → Can I use different bread options?
Absolutely. While brioche buns are traditional, you can substitute whole-wheat buns, gluten-free buns, or even sourdough bread based on your preference.
- → What are some variations to try?
Add crispy bacon for a smoky flavor, include fresh tomato slices, or try homemade Caesar dressing. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add avocado for creaminess.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, grill the chicken ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble sandwiches fresh when ready to eat to keep the buns from getting soggy.