Chicken Caesar Garlic Bread

This recipe is everything you love about cheesy garlic bread married with the crispy and refreshing flavors of a chicken Caesar salad. Whether you want this as an elevated appetizer or to be a features main course, you will love this chicken Caesar garlic bread recipe!

Why This Recipe Works

Elevated Garlic Bread: Everybody loves garlic bread, right? I know I do! This time, I took classic garlic bread and took it up a notch (or two) and made a chicken Caesar garlic bread! It starts with crispy, cheesy garlic bread and is topped high with tender chicken and a homemade Caesar salad topping!

Appetizer Perfection: This chicken Caesar salad garlic bread is the perfect option when feeding a crowd! Not only is it easy to make, but it is also delicious. It is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next get together!

Supplies Needed

• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

For The Garlic Bread

• Ciabatta Bread: The easiest way to make this chicken Caesar garlic bread is to grab a ciabatta loaf from the store or your local bakery! Ciabatta works best since it is a heartier style of bread and can handle all these delicious toppings. Italian bread or a French baguette could work as an alternative. Just find something with a nice dense crust and enough space to pile on the salad topping.
• Garlic: It wouldn’t be garlic bread without fresh garlic! You can pre-roast with a garlic confit or use raw garlic. Melting the garlic in the butter will also take some of the intensity out of it before adding it to the bread. Garlic powder works in a pinch, but I think to get the best flavor fresh garlic is the way to go.
• Butter: We will infuse the butter with garlic and spices before adding it to the bread.
• Italian Seasoning: I like dried Italian seasoning blends. This is a mixture of rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil. You can make your own mix or use what you have on hand.
• Red Pepper Flakes: For just a hint of spice! If you don’t want any heat at all you can omit this.
• Parmesan Cheese: I like to add a little parmesan cheese to the garlic bread and also to the Caesar salad topping! Freshly grated melts the best in my opinion, but use what you have on hand.
• Mozzarella Cheese: I opted for a block of freshly grated mozzarella (for best results). Avoid fresh mozzarella here as it releases too much moisture and will make the bread soggy.
• Chicken: You will need precooked chicken. You can prepare this by grilling the chicken beforehand or using a rotisserie chicken for ease. Canned chicken can work in a pinch too!

For The Chicken Caesar

• Romaine Lettuce: The classic, crunchy lettuce used for Caesar salad!
• Mayo: The base of the homemade Caesar salad dressing is mayo. You can use low-fat if you prefer! While traditional Caesar may have you make your own this is a perfect middle ground to enjoying a fresher dressing without having to overcomplicate the process.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a deep, savory flavor to the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds both a tangy and an umami flavor. It will also add a little saltiness so this dressing usually doesn’t need too much added salt (keep this in mind).
• Anchovy Paste: Anchovy paste adds an extra boost of umami flavor. It doesn’t add a fishy taste, don’t worry! I do find to get an authentic well-rounded flavor it is a much-needed addition. I prefer the paste and keep the tube in my fridge to make homemade Caesar dressing often.
• Parmesan Cheese: Add parmesan cheese into the dressing as well as an extra bit of garnish on top of the salad.
• Lemon: To balance out all the flavors and add some acidity. Fresh juice is always best.
  Salt & Pepper: To taste (there are a lot of elements that add salt already so taste as you go for best results).

Making The Cheesy Garlic Bread

• Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 425 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Slice Bread: Slice your ciabatta loaf lengthwise and set the two halves cut side up on the baking sheet.
• Simmer the Spices: In a small saucepan, melt the butter gently over low heat. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Turn off and remove from the heat.
• Brush onto Bread: Spoon or brush the butter garlic mixture onto the two cut halves of bread evenly. Add two tablespoons of parmesan to each loaf over the butter mixture.
• Add Chicken: Slice or shred your cooked chicken and add it over the top of each piece of bread, then cover in the shredded cheese (1 cup or so per side).
• Bake: Bake the bread for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. If it isn’t browning, you can broil it for 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
• Set Aside: Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly before adding the salad mixture (no one wants warm lettuce).

Classic Caesar Salad Topping

1. Prep Romaine: Clean and slice a head of romaine lettuce and set it aside. Other green lettuces work here as well (I like Green leaf lettuce or butter lettuce too).
2. Make Dressing: Make the dressing by whisking together the mayo, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and seasonings in a bowl. Taste test and adjust with extra seasoning or lemon if needed.
3. Toss with Lettuce: Add some of the dressing (I like to start with half) to the lettuce and then toss to combine Adjust and add more if desired until you get your preferred level of coating.
4. Add Parmesan: Grate some additional fresh parmesan (as desired) into the salad mix.
5. Assemble: To the uncut garlic bread pieces, pile on some of the Caesar salad mixture. Cut into 6 or 8 slices and garnish again with parmesan if desired.
6. Serve: Serve warm with the cold salad over the top and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken Caesar garlic bread is the perfect appetizer to serve before a main meal or a side dish to accompany your main meal! It goes amazingly with soups, pasta, and more! Here are some of my favorite things to serve with this Caesar garlic bread:

• Cauliflower Gnocchi Soup
• Grilled Chicken Spiedini
• Italian Wedding Soup
• Crispy Chicken Quarters
• Chicken Alfredo Pasta
• Homemade Spaghettios with Meatballs

If you are serving a spread of appetizers, try pairing this garlic bread with some smoked crab cakes and smoked queso dip!

More Recipes To Try

• Fried Pickle Dip Recipe
• Grilled Cheese Sliders with Bruschetta
• Cheesy Garlic Bread with Steak Bruschetta
• Mussels in White Wine Cream Sauce
• Smoked Spinach Artichoke Dip