This Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Sandwich is a tasty twist on the classic! It features juicy chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing, all tucked between slices of buttery garlic bread.
Honestly, who can resist that crunchy garlic bread? I love making these for lunch; they’re quick, satisfying, and just fancy enough to impress! You’ll want to make extras for sure!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Garlic Bread: I love using hoagie-style garlic bread for a sturdy base. If you can’t find it, you can use any crusty bread. A French baguette or Italian bread works well too!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time, but leftover grilled or baked chicken is just as good. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, consider using chickpeas or grilled tofu.
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but other greens like iceberg or spinach can substitute. Just adjust the amount as needed to ensure a good texture.
Caesar Dressing: Store-bought dressing is convenient, but homemade is always a treat. You can use yogurt-based dressings if you want a lighter version or even a dairy-free Caesar dressing for vegan diets.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds so much flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated works too, or use a non-dairy cheese alternative for a vegan option.
How Do I Make Sure My Garlic Bread Stays Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy garlic bread is key to this sandwich. To ensure it stays crunchy, keep the following tips in mind:
- Preheat your oven properly before baking the garlic bread for an even crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Space them out to allow heat to circulate.
- Start baking as directed, and keep an eye on the color. Golden brown means it’s ready!
- Slice the garlic bread only after baking, as this maintains its structure and crispiness.
How to Make Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Sandwich?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sandwich:
- 2 loaves of garlic bread (submarine or hoagie style)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Optional: fresh parsley or croutons for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake the garlic bread, making this recipe a quick and tasty option that takes around 25 minutes in total. Perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven according to the instructions on the garlic bread package. This step is crucial to ensure your garlic bread comes out perfectly crispy and golden.
2. Bake the Garlic Bread:
Next, place the garlic bread loaves on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake them according to the package instructions until they are crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Chicken Caesar Mixture:
While the garlic bread is baking, grab a large bowl and combine the shredded chicken, chopped Romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend all the ingredients together, tossing gently until everything is nicely coated in that tasty dressing.
4. Slice and Fill the Garlic Bread:
Once your garlic bread is out of the oven and has cooled for a minute, carefully slice each loaf open lengthwise. This will create a fantastic sandwich base. Fill the garlic bread generously with the chicken Caesar mixture, and then season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
5. Garnish and Serve:
If you’re feeling a little fancy, top with extra Parmesan cheese and sprinkle fresh parsley or some crunchy croutons on top for added flavor and texture. Serve your delicious Garlic Bread Chicken Caesar Sandwich right away while the bread is still warm, and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the desired amount and mix it into your salad. It adds wonderful flavor and makes preparation a breeze!
What If I Don’t Have Garlic Bread?
No worries! You can use any type of bread you like, such as a soft baguette or even whole grain sandwich rolls. Just spread a little butter and garlic powder on your bread before toasting for a similar flavor. Alternatively, you could even try making your own garlic butter!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken Caesar mixture separately from the garlic bread in airtight containers. The mixture will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge. To enjoy later, just reheat the chicken mix and toast the garlic bread again before assembling your sandwich!
Can I Add More Veggies to This Sandwich?
Definitely! Feel free to add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, or even avocado for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop your veggies to a similar size as the chicken for even distribution in the sandwich.
