Can I make these sandwiches without anchovies?

Absolutely! While anchovies provide that classic Caesar flavor, you can omit them for a milder dressing. Try adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt to compensate for the missing umami flavor.

What's the best way to keep my chicken schnitzel crispy?

The key is to cook the schnitzel just before assembly. If you need to prepare them ahead, reheat in an oven rather than microwave to maintain crispness, and assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from making the coating soggy.

Can I use a different lettuce than romaine?

Romaine (cos) is traditional for Caesar salads because of its crunch and structure, but you can substitute with iceberg for extra crunch or butter lettuce for a softer texture. Just avoid delicate greens that will wilt quickly under the dressing.

How do I make this healthier without sacrificing flavor?

Try using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise, opt for grilled chicken instead of fried schnitzel, and use whole grain rolls for added fiber. You'll still get amazing flavor with these simple swaps!

Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe

Name: Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 small rolls (mini sub, baguette, sourdough, or pane di casa); 80 g (2 3/4 oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 tsp freshly minced garlic; 1 tbsp finely chopped flat-leaf (Italian) parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan (or shaved if you prefer); 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp freshly minced garlic; 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional); 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tsp dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 whole cos (romaine) lettuce or 2 baby cos lettuces, shredded; 4 Freezer-Friendly Chicken Schnitzels, cooked (see note); 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated parmesan, to serve

This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is the ultimate lunch upgrade you didn’t know you needed! Imagine perfectly crispy chicken schnitzel nestled between garlic-parmesan toasted bread, topped with homemade Caesar dressing-coated lettuce. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors that will make your taste buds sing with joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Quality at Home: These sandwiches rival anything you’d get at an upscale café, but you can make them in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost.
Quick Assembly: With pre-made schnitzels, you can have these gourmet sandwiches ready in just 20 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic butter bread, crispy chicken, and tangy Caesar dressing creates the perfect harmony of textures and flavors in every bite.
Versatile: Easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have available in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Garlic Bread Baguette

Rolls: Mini sub rolls, baguettes, sourdough, or pane di casa work perfectly as they have the right structure to hold up to the fillings without getting soggy.
Butter: Unsalted butter serves as the rich base for your garlic spread. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy spreading.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides that aromatic punch that makes everything better. Pre-minced works in a pinch, but fresh is best!
Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the spread without making it taste salty.
Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan creates a beautiful crust when broiled, adding both flavor and texture.

For the Caesar Filling

Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your Caesar dressing that brings everything together.
Garlic: Just a touch adds depth to the dressing.
Anchovies: These tiny flavor bombs are traditional in Caesar dressing and provide that distinctive umami punch. If you’re anchovy-averse, they’re optional!
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
Worcestershire Sauce: Provides savory depth that’s hard to replicate with any other ingredient.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning.
Cos/Romaine Lettuce: The classic Caesar salad green with the perfect crunch.
Chicken Schnitzels: Pre-made schnitzels save time while adding crispy, juicy protein to your sandwich.
Additional Parmesan: For that final flavor boost on top.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Grilled Chicken Option: Swap the schnitzel for grilled chicken breast for a lighter version.
Bacon Addition: Add crispy bacon strips for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Avocado Upgrade: Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to the sandwich.
Spicy Version: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños for heat lovers.
Fish Twist: Replace chicken with crispy fish fillets for a pescatarian option that still satisfies.

How to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Bread

Preheat your oven’s grill (broiler) to high. Slice your rolls lengthwise and arrange them cut-side up on a baking tray. Mix together the room temperature butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley and salt until well combined. Spread this fragrant mixture generously over both cut sides of each roll, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Toast the Bread

Place the prepared rolls under the hot grill for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until they turn crispy and golden brown. That cheese will get beautifully melted and slightly crusty!

Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing

While the bread is toasting, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, anchovies (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Lettuce

Add your shredded cos lettuce to the dressing mixture. Using tongs, toss the lettuce until every piece is generously coated with the creamy Caesar dressing.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Take your beautifully toasted rolls and place a chicken schnitzel on the bottom half of each roll. Top with a generous amount of the dressed lettuce and sprinkle additional parmesan over the top. Close the sandwich with the top half of the roll and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Bread Selection: Choose sturdy bread that can stand up to the fillings without getting soggy.
Even Garlic Distribution: Make sure your garlic is very finely minced and evenly distributed in the butter for consistent flavor.
Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye on your bread when broiling—it can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let butter come fully to room temperature for easier spreading.
Make-Your-Own Bar: For family meals, set up all the components separately and let everyone build their own sandwich exactly how they like it.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These sandwiches are substantial enough to stand alone, but they pair beautifully with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a simple side salad.

Presentation

Slice the sandwiches diagonally to show off the beautiful layers and secure with a toothpick if needed. This not only looks great but makes them easier to eat!

Drinks

A cold beer, crisp white wine, or even a sparkling lemonade complements the rich flavors of this sandwich perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

You can prepare the garlic butter and Caesar dressing up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Just bring the butter to room temperature before spreading.

Storing Leftovers

While these sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately after assembly, you can store leftover components separately: keep the cooked schnitzels and toasted bread at room temperature for a few hours, and refrigerate the dressed lettuce for up to 24 hours.

Reheating

To refresh leftover schnitzels, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness. The garlic bread can be quickly reheated under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches without anchovies?

Absolutely! While anchovies provide that classic Caesar flavor, you can omit them for a milder dressing. Try adding a bit more Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of salt to compensate for the missing umami flavor.
What’s the best way to keep my chicken schnitzel crispy?

The key is to cook the schnitzel just before assembly. If you need to prepare them ahead, reheat in an oven rather than microwave to maintain crispness, and assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from making the coating soggy.
Can I use a different lettuce than romaine?

Romaine (cos) is traditional for Caesar salads because of its crunch and structure, but you can substitute with iceberg for extra crunch or butter lettuce for a softer texture. Just avoid delicate greens that will wilt quickly under the dressing.
How do I make this healthier without sacrificing flavor?

Try using Greek yogurt in place of some of the mayonnaise, opt for grilled chicken instead of fried schnitzel, and use whole grain rolls for added fiber. You’ll still get amazing flavor with these simple swaps!

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich takes a beloved salad and transforms it into a handheld masterpiece that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even cut into quarters for fancy appetizers. The combination of crispy, garlicky bread with juicy chicken and that creamy, tangy Caesar dressing is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen – I promise it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!