Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, seasoned chicken cutlets provide the crunch, while the creamy, tangy Caesar dressing brings everything together. The combination of fresh romaine lettuce, tangy Parmesan, and the satisfying crunch of the breadcrumbs make every bite delicious. With the easy-to-make Caesar dressing and crispy chicken, this sandwich will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

For the Caesar Dressing:

• ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch sea salt

For the Chicken:

• 5 chicken cutlets (see note 1)

• Sea salt, to taste

• Ground black pepper, to taste

• Oil for frying

For the Flour Mixture:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Egg Mixture:

• 2 eggs

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Breadcrumbs Mixture:

• ¾ cup panko crumbs

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

For Assembly:

• 2 romaine hearts, chopped

• 1-2 French baguettes

• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Caesar Dressing:

1. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Set aside.

For the Chicken:

2. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with sea salt and ground black pepper on both sides.

3. Coat the chicken: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and smoked paprika. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the salt. In a third bowl, combine the panko crumbs, regular breadcrumbs, dried parsley, black pepper, sea salt, oregano, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat in the breadcrumbs mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even coating.

5. Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken cutlets for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

For the Sandwich:

6. Prepare the baguette: Slice the French baguette into sandwich-sized pieces. If you prefer, toast the baguette halves lightly for extra crunch.

7. Assemble the sandwich: Spread a generous amount of Caesar dressing on the inside of both halves of the baguette. Place a fried chicken cutlet on the bottom half. Top with chopped romaine lettuce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette.

8. Serve: Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately, garnished with more freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Chicken: If you prefer a lighter version, you can grill the chicken instead of frying it. Simply season and cook the chicken on a grill pan or outdoor grill.

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with crispy chickpea patties or a breaded eggplant slice for a vegetarian version of this sandwich.

• Spicy Version: Add a little hot sauce to the Caesar dressing or sprinkle some chili flakes on the chicken before frying for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: The fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the Caesar dressing separately in a container with a tight lid.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet or in the oven to maintain its crispiness. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the breading soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great for this sandwich. They’ll stay moist and tender, and their flavor complements the Caesar dressing perfectly.

2. Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

4. What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?

Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a light and crispy texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if you prefer a denser coating.

5. Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this sandwich gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Ensure that your mayonnaise and yogurt are also gluten-free.

6. Can I add other toppings to this sandwich?

You can add toppings like sliced tomatoes, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.

7. Can I make the sandwich without the French baguette?

Yes, you can use any type of bread for this sandwich, such as whole wheat rolls, ciabatta, or even a wrap for a lighter option.

8. How do I store the leftovers?

Store any leftover chicken and dressing separately. The fried chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days, and the dressing will last about 3 days.

9. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing, but homemade dressing adds a fresh, tangy flavor that elevates the sandwich.

10. Can I make the chicken spicier?

Yes, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumbs mixture or directly on the chicken before frying to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches bring the bold flavors of a Caesar salad into a delicious handheld meal. The crispy chicken cutlets, creamy homemade Caesar dressing, and fresh romaine lettuce make every bite satisfying and full of flavor. This sandwich is perfect for a casual meal, yet impressive enough for a gathering or family dinner. It’s a fun and tasty twist on a classic that will leave everyone craving more!

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