Tasty Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Section: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Take a bite of juicy grilled chicken on pillowy brioche, with a hit of crisp romaine and plenty of freshly grated parmesan mingling in each mouthful. Olive oil, garlic, dijon, and a generous marinade give the chicken that punchy flavor before it hits the grill for that perfect smoky char. After a short rest to lock in the juices, it all gets slathered with creamy caesar-style dressing—lots of lemon and just enough anchovy for a tasty kick. Don’t forget a big squeeze of lemon, another splash of dressing, and more cheese to finish it all off. It’s laid-back, crave-worthy, and comes together fast for lunch or dinner.

Published By Ioana
Updated on Fri, 23 May 2025 19:11:01 GMT
A grilled chicken sandwich loaded with bacon and cheese. Bookmark
A grilled chicken sandwich loaded with bacon and cheese. | ioanacooks.com

These grilled chicken caesar sandwiches are a go-to in my house when I want something fresh and satisfying that feels just a little bit special. With juicy grilled chicken, zippy homemade caesar dressing, and pillowy brioche buns, this is the kind of dinner that makes you linger at the table a bit longer. Whether I am serving these for a crowd or cozying up for a summer weeknight meal, every bite reminds me why they keep showing up on my menu.

I first made these during a backyard birthday and everyone kept coming back for seconds. Now when the grill is out these sandwiches are the first thing requested.

Ingredients

  • Thin sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using thinner pieces means juicy chicken and easy sandwich assembly. Choose chicken that looks pink and moist
  • Olive oil: Gives moisture and flavor to the marinade and ensures juicy grilling. Look for extra virgin with a fresh scent
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick and tang in both the marinade and dressing. Choose a smooth variety for easy mixing
  • Garlic cloves minced: Delivers lots of bold caesar flavor and depth in the chicken and the dressing. Use fresh garlic for the best results
  • Kosher salt and pepper: Enhances the flavors in both marinade and dressing. Go for coarse kosher salt if you have it
  • Brioche buns: Soft rich bread that soaks up dressing and juices beautifully. Pick buns that are slightly squishy for the best texture
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Offers salty nutty flavor and that classic caesar taste. Use a wedge and grate your own if you can
  • Romaine lettuce leaves: Brings crisp texture and freshness to every bite. Go for bright green sturdy leaves
  • Lemon wedges: Adds a zingy finish and wakes up all the flavors. Choose lemons that feel heavy and give a little under pressure
  • Greek yogurt: Makes a creamy caesar dressing with fewer calories. Look for thick plain yogurt
  • Red wine vinegar: Provides tartness and balances out all the richness
  • Anchovy paste: Delivers signature caesar umami. Pick one in a tube so it keeps well

Steps for Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwiches

Make the Marinade:
Whisk olive oil dijon garlic salt and pepper together until smooth. Drizzle over chicken in a shallow dish or zip bag turning to coat well. Marinate in the fridge for at least thirty minutes or overnight for more flavor
Prep the Caesar Dressing:
Place garlic yogurt parmesan mustard vinegar anchovy paste lemon juice salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth. With the motor running slowly pour in olive oil until the dressing is creamy and thick. Pour into a jar and chill if not using right away
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to high and let it get hot for ten to fifteen minutes. This ensures good grill marks and that smoky grilled flavor
Grill the Chicken:
Remove the chicken pieces from marinade letting any excess drip off. Place on the hot grill and cook for three to five minutes per side depending on thickness. The chicken is ready when it reads one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit inside. Let rest for five to ten minutes to keep juices inside
Toast the Brioche Buns:
Place buns cut side down on the grill for one to two minutes until just golden and warmed. This adds a delicious light crunch and holds up to the juicy chicken
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread some caesar dressing on the bottom bun layer on romaine and grilled chicken. Add a squeeze of lemon drizzle with more caesar and sprinkle with parmesan. Top off with the bun and serve while warm
Une grilled chicken caesar sandwich sur une table. Bookmark
Une grilled chicken caesar sandwich sur une table. | ioanacooks.com

The first time I made the caesar dressing from scratch I could not believe how much brighter and more flavorful it was than any store-bought version My daughter now requests a little extra drizzle for dipping her veggies on the side

Storage Tips

Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The caesar dressing will keep for three to four days if tightly sealed Give it a good stir or shake before using again To reheat chicken slice it first then gently warm in a skillet over low heat to keep it juicy The sandwiches themselves are best eaten fresh but you can assemble them just before serving if prepping ahead

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have brioche buns try a soft ciabatta roll or even toasted sourdough For the greek yogurt in the dressing you can swap in mayonnaise for a richer taste or use plain skyr Anchovy paste is key for that classic caesar flavor but you can leave it out if you are not a fan or substitute a splash of Worcestershire for a little depth

Serving Suggestions

Serve these sandwiches alongside a crisp green salad or simple grilled vegetables for a light meal They are also great with roasted potatoes sweet potato fries or a big platter of fresh summer corn When I want to make them feel extra special I add finely sliced radishes or pickled onions for an extra crunch in each bite

Une grilled chicken caesar sandwich sur une table. Bookmark
Une grilled chicken caesar sandwich sur une table. | ioanacooks.com

Cultural Context

The caesar salad itself has roots in Mexican and Italian American cuisine developed by Caesar Cardini in Tijuana This sandwich takes all those classic flavors and makes them portable and perfect for your backyard grill It is a fun twist that feels familiar and exciting at the same time

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How can I make the chicken super juicy?

Soak those chicken breasts in olive oil, dijon, garlic, and your favorite spices. Slicing the chicken a little thinner keeps it tender on the grill and cooks fast.

→ Which buns taste the best?

Brioche buns are pillowy and rich, making them the perfect sidekick for smoky chicken and creamy sauce.

→ Can I whip up the caesar dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely, just blend it and stash it in the fridge. Give it a stir before using. It’s best if you use it within three days for most flavor.

→ Is there another option if I don't have anchovy paste?

No worries—just skip it or swap in a bit of Worcestershire for a similar savory hit.

→ How do I give the sandwich extra flavor?

Toast the buns right on the grill, sprinkle on more cheese, or hit everything with a little lemon juice to brighten things up before eating.

→ What goes well on the side?

Serve it up with crispy potato wedges, some corn, or a heap of leafy greens if you want to keep it light.

Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Tender grilled chicken, lots of parmesan, and fresh romaine with caesar-style sauce on soft brioche.

Time Needed to Prep
50 minutes
Cooking Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Main Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Medium Difficulty

Type of Cuisine: American

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (4 sandwiches)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken & Marinade

Ingredient 01 A pinch of black pepper, ground fresh, to taste
Ingredient 02 Kosher salt, however much you like
Ingredient 03 2 garlic cloves, chopped up
Ingredient 04 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Ingredient 05 2 tablespoons olive oil
Ingredient 06 4 chicken breast fillets, skinless and boneless, sliced thin

→ Sandwich Fixings

Ingredient 07 A few lemon wedges for squeezing
Ingredient 08 Shredded Parmesan cheese, to sprinkle on top
Ingredient 09 Crispy romaine lettuce
Ingredient 10 4 soft brioche buns

→ Caesar Spread

Ingredient 11 80 ml (about 1/3 cup) olive oil
Ingredient 12 Juice from half a lemon
Ingredient 13 0.25 teaspoon pepper
Ingredient 14 0.25 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 15 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
Ingredient 16 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
Ingredient 17 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Ingredient 18 2 tablespoons Parmesan, grated
Ingredient 19 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
Ingredient 20 4 garlic cloves, smashed up

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Chuck garlic, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, mustard, vinegar, anchovy paste, salt, pepper, and some lemon juice into your food processor. Blitz it all up until smooth, then slowly pour in the olive oil while it's whirring away. Pop it in the fridge till you’re ready.

Step 02

Toss your chicken fillets in a bag or dish, pour the marinade over them, and make sure everything's coated. Cover it up and set in the fridge for at least half an hour. Leave it overnight if you want them extra tasty.

Step 03

Mix olive oil, Dijon, minced garlic, salt, and a little pepper in your bowl. Whisk like crazy until it comes together.

Step 04

Turn your grill nice and high. Let it get super hot for a good 10 or 15 minutes. You want those grill marks!

Step 05

Cut your brioche buns, place them face-down right on the grill. Toast till they're just golden on the inside.

Step 06

Move the chicken from the marinade (let it drip off a little) and lay it straight onto the hot grill. Sear both sides for 3–5 minutes (depends how thick they are), and check they're cooked through (should hit 74°C inside). Let them chill out on a plate for a bit — 5–10 minutes does the trick.

Step 07

Spread some Caesar dressing onto each bun. Top with lettuce, layer on your chicken, add another hit of dressing and give it a snowstorm of Parmesan. Squeeze on a little lemon if you like, slap the bun lid on, and eat up right away.

Extra Tips

  1. You can make the Caesar spread ahead and stick it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using if it looks separated.
  2. If you give the chicken a few minutes to rest before building the sandwiches, it'll stay nice and juicy.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Food processor
  • Tongs
  • Chopping board

Allergen Information

Carefully check food labels for allergens and consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Has dairy (Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese)
  • Has fish (anchovy paste)
  • Has gluten (brioche buns)
  • Has eggs (could be in the buns or Caesar, depending on which kind you get)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 520
  • Total Fat: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 38 grams
  • Protein Amount: 37 grams