Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to an even 3/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking. Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for good browning.

Step 2: Season and Marinate
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, coating both sides evenly. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients (this helps the chicken cook more evenly).

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until golden brown with grill marks. Flip and cook the other side for 5-6 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps the juices inside the chicken.

Step 4: Toast the Bread
While the chicken rests, butter or brush olive oil on the cut sides of your ciabatta rolls or bread slices. Toast in a skillet, toaster, or under the broiler until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. If desired, immediately rub the toasted bread with the cut side of a garlic clove for extra flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Lettuce
In a medium bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with about half of the Caesar dressing and half of the Parmesan cheese. You want the lettuce lightly coated but not drowning in dressing—save extra dressing for spreading on the bread.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, slice the rested chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick strips against the grain. This makes the chicken more tender and easier to bite through in the sandwich.

Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread 1-2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Layer with dressed romaine lettuce, sliced chicken (about 4-5 ounces per sandwich), 2 strips of crispy bacon if using, tomato slices if desired, and a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Spread a thin layer of Caesar dressing on the top half of the roll and place on top.

Step 8: Serve Immediately
Cut each sandwich in half diagonally if desired. Serve immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy, with extra Caesar dressing and lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy!