Open Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
This open chicken Caesar sandwich is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic salad. Featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp Little Gem lettuce, and a tangy homemade Caesar-style dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp sunflower oil
- 2 Little Gem lettuces
- 2 tbsp low-fat crème fraîche or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan, plus a few shavings to serve
- squeeze of lemon juice
- 1 tsp capers, roughly chopped
- 2 thick slices bread
- 1 small garlic clove, cut in half
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a griddle pan over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with sunflower oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside to rest.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, separate the lettuce leaves and set aside. In a small bowl, mix the crème fraîche, grated parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, capers, and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Season the dressing to taste.
- Step 3: Toast the slices of bread until golden. Rub each slice with the cut side of the garlic clove for extra flavor, then crush the garlic and stir it into the dressing.
- Step 4: Slice the warm chicken breasts diagonally. Arrange the lettuce leaves on each toasted bread slice, top with sliced chicken, then drizzle over the Caesar dressing. Finish with a few parmesan shavings and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- To save time, use store-bought Caesar dressing and finish with freshly shaved parmesan for convenience and flavor.
- For a salad version, cook 4 chicken breasts, double the dressing, tear leaves from 4 Little Gems, toast and garlic-rub 4 slices of bread cut into croûtons, and add a few anchovies for extra umami. Toss everything together and serve.
Storage
This open sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently and assemble just before serving to keep the bread crisp and the lettuce fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for this sandwich?
Yes, any thick, sturdy bread like ciabatta or sourdough works well as it holds up to the toppings and dressing without becoming soggy.
Can I prepare this sandwich ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the components ahead but assemble just before eating. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy and the lettuce crisp.
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Open Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This open chicken Caesar sandwich is a vibrant twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring tender grilled chicken breasts served on toasted bread topped with crisp Little Gem lettuce and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made with low-fat crème fraîche, parmesan, lemon juice, and capers. It’s a delicious, satisfying sandwich perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp sunflower oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Caesar Dressing
- 2 tbsp low-fat crème fraîche or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp grated parmesan, plus a few shavings to serve
- Squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp capers, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp cold water
- 1 small garlic clove, cut in half and crushed
Sandwich Components
- 2 thick slices bread
- 2 Little Gem lettuces, leaves separated
Instructions
- Prepare and Grill the Chicken: Heat a griddle pan over medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with sunflower oil and season well with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken on the hot griddle and cook for 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: While the chicken is resting, separate the lettuce leaves from the Little Gem lettuces and set aside. In a bowl, combine the low-fat crème fraîche (or Greek yogurt), grated parmesan, lemon juice, chopped capers, and 1 tablespoon of cold water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Rub the toasted bread with the cut side of the garlic clove, then crush the garlic into the dressing mixture to infuse it with flavor.
- Toast the Bread and Assemble the Sandwich: Toast the slices of bread until golden and crisp. Slice the rested chicken breasts diagonally into thin pieces. On each toasted bread slice, layer the lettuce leaves, followed by the sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with the Caesar dressing, and finish by sprinkling a few parmesan shavings on top. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a quicker version, use a ready-made Caesar dressing and finish with shaved parmesan.
- To make this into a salad, cook four chicken breasts and toss with double the amount of dressing, toasted garlic-rubbed bread croutons, and anchovies if desired.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling helps retain its juices and tenderness.
- Using Little Gem lettuce adds a crisp and slightly sweet flavor that works well in this sandwich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Chicken Caesar sandwich, grilled chicken sandwich, Caesar dressing sandwich, healthy chicken sandwich, quick lunch sandwich
