Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich: A Delicious Treat in Under 30 Minutes
Short introduction
A Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, served in a convenient, handheld form. It features tender, crispy chicken cutlets, creamy Caesar dressing, and fresh romaine lettuce, all sandwiched between crusty French baguette pieces. This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, bringing together familiar flavors in a satisfying way.
Why you’ll love it
You’ll love this Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich for its amazing crunch and flavor packed in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The combination of the crispy chicken and tangy Caesar dressing resembles the traditional salad, but it’s more filling and easy to eat. Plus, it’s customizable with different toppings or spices to suit your taste!
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)
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt entirely, reducing the overall fat content. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko and breadcrumbs. You can also change the main protein by using turkey cutlets or even breaded tofu for a vegetarian adaptation.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Prepare the Caesar dressing
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Take 4-5 tablespoons of this dressing to mix it with the chopped romaine lettuce in a medium bowl. Cover both the salad and the remaining dressing, and refrigerate separately for later.
Step 2: Prepare the chicken cutlets
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. Season both sides of each cutlet with salt and ground black pepper.
Step 3: Set up the breading station
Set up three shallow plates. In the first plate, mix the flour, salt, and smoked paprika. In the second plate, whisk the eggs with a little salt until combined. In the third plate, combine panko crumbs, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, ground black pepper, sea salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bread the chicken
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, then firmly press it into the breadcrumb mix. Repeat this process for all the cutlets.
Step 5: Fry the chicken
Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a few breadcrumbs—if they sizzle, it’s ready), carefully place the chicken into the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip it and cook the other side until crispy and fully cooked, around 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and let it drain on a wire rack to get rid of excess oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 6: Assemble the sandwich
Slice the baguettes into 12 cm (5") portions and cut each one open lengthwise. Spread a layer of the reserved Caesar dressing on the inside. Place a crispy chicken cutlet on top, followed by a generous amount of the Caesar salad. Finish with extra grated Parmesan, close the sandwiches, and serve immediately with fries if desired.
Success tips
- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the frying pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- If you want an extra crunchy texture, double-coat the chicken cutlets by repeating the dredging and breading steps twice.
How to serve
Serve these Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches with a side of crispy fries or a light salad for a complete meal. They also pair perfectly with a refreshing lemonade or iced tea.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the bread is crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chicken beforehand. Just assemble the sandwich right before serving for the best texture.What can I substitute for the chicken cutlets?
You can use turkey cutlets, breaded tofu, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.How can I make this sandwich spicier?
Add hot sauce to the Caesar dressing or sprinkle cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture.Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can store the components separately and assemble the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.Can I freeze the chicken cutlets?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded and fried cutlets. To reheat, bake them in the oven until crispy again.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This recipe is rich in protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the mayonnaise and olive oil. The addition of Greek yogurt adds probiotics, making it a tasty yet nutritious option.
Conclusion
The Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is not only a delicious alternative to the classic Caesar salad but also a filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crunchy chicken and creamy dressing enveloped in warm bread, it’s a handheld delight you won’t want to miss. Give it a try today and enjoy a taste of comfort food that everyone will love!
Links to related recipes
- Crispy Chicken Salad
- Classic Caesar Salad
- Homemade Garlic Bread
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
- Panko Breaded Chicken Tenders
Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Caesar Dressing
- 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 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Pinch sea salt
For the Chicken
- 5 pieces chicken cutlets See note 1 for details
- 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 pieces 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)
For the Assembly
- 2 hearts romaine (chopped)
- 1-2 pieces French baguettes
- Parmesan cheese freshly grated, for serving
Instructions
Preparation of Dressing
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add minced garlic, black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Take 4-5 tablespoons of this dressing to mix it with the chopped romaine lettuce in a medium bowl. Cover both the salad and the remaining dressing, and refrigerate separately for later.
Preparation of Chicken
- 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. Season both sides of each cutlet with salt and ground black pepper.
Breading Station Setup
- Set up three shallow plates. In the first plate, mix the flour, salt, and smoked paprika. In the second plate, whisk the eggs with a little salt until combined. In the third plate, combine panko crumbs, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, ground black pepper, sea salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Breading of Chicken
- 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, then firmly press it into the breadcrumb mix. Repeat this process for all the cutlets.
Frying the Chicken
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping in a few breadcrumbs—if they sizzle, it’s ready), carefully place the chicken into the pan. Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip it and cook the other side until crispy and fully cooked, around 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and let it drain on a wire rack to get rid of excess oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Assembling the Sandwich
- Slice the baguettes into 12 cm (5") portions and cut each one open lengthwise. Spread a layer of the reserved Caesar dressing on the inside. Place a crispy chicken cutlet on top, followed by a generous amount of the Caesar salad. Finish with extra grated Parmesan, close the sandwiches, and serve immediately with fries if desired.