Panera Chicken Caesar Sandwich
The Panera Chicken Caesar Sandwich features crispy chicken, fresh Romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese, all served on a toasted ciabatta roll. This easy-to-make sandwich offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Customize with variations like grilled chicken or extra veggies.
Equipment
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Grill pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Toaster (optional)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste optional, but adds great depth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 cup fresh Romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 soft ciabatta rolls or any sandwich bread of your choice
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Extra Caesar dressing for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Massage the seasoning into the chicken and let it sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Make the Caesar Dressing
- While the chicken is cooking, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovy paste (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Sandwich
- Cut your ciabatta rolls in half, and toast them lightly if desired. On the bottom half of each roll, spread a generous amount of Caesar dressing. Layer with chopped Romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a little extra Caesar dressing on top for that perfect creamy finish.
Serve and Enjoy
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the roll and slice it in half for easy serving. Your homemade Panera Chicken Caesar Sandwich is now ready to enjoy!
Notes
1. For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in some Italian dressing or olive oil and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. If you don’t have a grill pan, you can cook the chicken in a regular skillet and then finish it under the broiler for a bit of char.
3. Get creative with the toppings! Add avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, or even bacon for a different twist.