Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are a delightful twist on a classic Caesar salad. These sandwiches combine crunchy, golden chicken cutlets with fresh romaine lettuce and a creamy dressing, all nestled in a soft baguette. It’s a great meal for lunch or dinner, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You get the satisfaction of a satisfying sandwich and the freshness of a salad all in one bite!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Ingredients
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1-2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch sea salt
- 5 chicken cutlets (see note 1)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- Oil (for frying)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 eggs
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup panko crumbs
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 romaine hearts (chopped)
- 1-2 French baguettes
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
Directions
In a bowl, prepare the Caesar dressing by mixing all the ingredients. Stir until smooth and creamy. Take 4–5 tablespoons of this dressing and mix it with the chopped romaine lettuce in a medium bowl. Cover both the salad and the remaining dressing and refrigerate them separately for later.
Lay the chicken cutlets on a cutting board. If they are uneven in thickness, gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to make them even. Sprinkle both sides with salt and ground black pepper.
Set up the breading station with three shallow plates. In the first plate, mix the flour, salt, and smoked paprika. In the second plate, whisk the eggs with salt until well combined. In the third plate, combine panko, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Take one chicken cutlet and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this for all cutlets.
Once the oil is hot (test by dropping in a few breadcrumbs—if they sizzle, it’s ready), carefully place the chicken in the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until crispy and fully cooked. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Fry in batches so as not to overcrowd.
Slice the baguettes into 12 cm (5") portions and cut each one open lengthwise. Spread a layer of the reserved Caesar dressing, place a crispy chicken cutlet on top, followed by a generous amount of the Caesar salad. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately with fries.
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
These sandwiches are best served hot and fresh. Pair them with crispy fries or a side salad for a complete meal. You can also add extra toppings like sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon for more flavor. Enjoy with your favorite beverage!
How to Store Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
To store leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To enjoy again, reheat the chicken in the oven or stovetop to keep it crispy.
Tips to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying. This ensures that the chicken gets crispy and doesn’t absorb too much oil.
- Use fresh ingredients for the dressing and salad to enhance the flavor.
- If you prefer, you can bake the chicken cutlets instead of frying them for a healthier option. Just coat them with the same breading and bake until golden.
Variation
You can modify this recipe by using grilled chicken instead of crispy fried cutlets. This will give a healthier twist while still retaining great flavors. Additionally, try using different types of bread like ciabatta or whole wheat to change it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Yes, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s a variety you enjoy!
2. How do I make the chicken cutlets ahead of time?
You can bread and fry the chicken cutlets ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven before assembling your sandwiches.
3. Can I freeze the sandwiches?
It’s best to freeze the chicken cutlets separately. The freshness of the bread may not hold up well when frozen and reheated. You can store the cutlets in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, prepare the Caesar dressing by mixing all the ingredients. Stir until smooth and creamy. Take 4–5 tablespoons of this dressing and mix it with the chopped romaine lettuce in a medium bowl. Cover both the salad and the remaining dressing and refrigerate them separately for later.
- Lay the chicken cutlets on a cutting board. If they are uneven in thickness, gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to make them even. Sprinkle both sides with salt and ground black pepper.
- Set up the breading station with three shallow plates. In the first plate, mix the flour, salt, and smoked paprika. In the second plate, whisk the eggs with salt until well combined. In the third plate, combine panko, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Take one chicken cutlet and dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this for all cutlets.
- Once the oil is hot (test by dropping in a few breadcrumbs—if they sizzle, it’s ready), carefully place the chicken in the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until crispy and fully cooked. This should take about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Fry in batches so as not to overcrowd.
- Slice the baguettes into 12 cm (5") portions and cut each one open lengthwise. Spread a layer of the reserved Caesar dressing, place a crispy chicken cutlet on top, followed by a generous amount of the Caesar salad. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan. Close the sandwiches and serve immediately with fries.