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This Chicken Caesar sandwich is everything I love about Caesar salads and crispy fried chicken in one craveable bite. With golden chicken, zippy homemade Caesar dressing, and a pile of crisp romaine piled between warm slices of bread, it is hearty, satisfying, and destined to be your new lunch obsession.
I started making this for casual weekends when friends dropped by for lunch and everyone was floored. Now it is the first thing my family asks for when I ask what they are craving.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide lean meat that stays moist inside the crispy coating
- Buttermilk: Essential for tenderizing the chicken and adding subtle tanginess
- All purpose flour: Forms the base for a light crunchy crust
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Bring savory depth to the breading
- Paprika: Lends color and a gentle warmth try smoked paprika for even more flavor
- Salt and black pepper: Season every layer
- Vegetable oil: Lets you fry the chicken to golden crispiness pick a neutral oil with a high smoke point
- Mayonnaise: Serves as the creamy foundation for the dressing choose one with a rich flavor
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness always use freshly squeezed for best results
- Dijon mustard: Adds sharpness and rounds out the flavors
- Fresh garlic: Infuses the dressing with bold garlicky notes
- Parmesan cheese: Offers salty nuttiness grate your own for the best taste
- Crusty bread: Such as ciabatta or sourdough stands up to the fillings and stays crisp
- Romaine lettuce: Offers cool crunch chop it just before serving
- More grated Parmesan cheese: For topping because you can never have too much
- Sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon: Both optional but make for a decadent sandwich
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine the chicken breasts in a bowl with buttermilk making sure all surfaces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to overnight. The longer they soak the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
- Prepare the Seasoned Flour:
- In a shallow dish mix flour garlic powder onion powder paprika salt and black pepper thoroughly. Use a fork or whisk to break up any lumps ensuring seasoning is distributed evenly.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Press each breast into the seasoned flour mix, ensuring a thick, even coating on both sides. Gently shake off excess flour.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet until it is about one half inch deep and heat over medium high. Once the oil reaches three hundred fifty degrees set the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Fry for five to seven minutes per side without moving until both sides are deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. Use a thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reads one hundred sixty five degrees. Carefully remove the chicken and let it rest on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Make the Caesar Dressing:
- In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise lemon juice Dijon mustard minced garlic and grated Parmesan until completely smooth. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. The dressing should be thick, creamy, and tangy.
- Toast the Bread:
- While the chicken rests toast your bread slices until each side is golden and crisp. This helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Spread a generous layer of homemade Caesar dressing on one side of each toasted bread slice. On two of the slices, mound chopped romaine. Lay the hot fried chicken on top. Add fresh tomato slices or crisp bacon if you like. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
- Finish and Serve:
- Top with the remaining bread slices dressing side down. Press gently to help everything stick. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally to show off the layers and serve while everything is warm and crisp.
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Whenever I make this I always reach for extra fresh Parmesan because it takes the dressing and the final bite to the next level. My family still talks about the time we packed these sandwiches for a picnic at the park, laughing and fighting over who got the cheesiest piece.
Storage Tips
If you plan to make these for meal prep store all elements separately in airtight containers. Assemble the sandwiches just before eating to maintain crispiness. Fried chicken stays crispy if reheated in a hot oven or toaster oven for about ten minutes. Homemade Caesar dressing will last four to five days in the fridge.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap boneless skinless thighs for breasts if you want even juicier meat. Greek yogurt can be used in place of half the mayo for a lighter Caesar sauce. Gluten free flour blends work well for dredging if you want a gluten friendly version. For the bread any sturdy slice such as multigrain or focaccia is delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sandwiches with kettle chips crunchy pickles or a lemony green salad for a restaurant worthy meal at home. They also make excellent party sandwiches cut in halves or thirds for sharing.
The Story Behind the Sandwich
Chicken Caesar salad was always my dad’s favorite order whenever we ate out as a family. The first time I surprised him by turning it into a sandwich he did not speak a word until he had finished the entire thing. This was my way of remixing a classic that we both loved so much with just enough indulgence to make it truly special.
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The next time you need a hearty lunch or an impressive party sandwich, try this Chicken Caesar sandwich—it will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of bread is best for this sandwich?
Hearty options like ciabatta or sourdough provide a sturdy base and crisp texture that pairs well with the juicy chicken and creamy dressing.
- → How do I keep the chicken extra crispy?
Coat the chicken thoroughly in seasoned flour and fry at the right oil temperature (350°F) to seal in moisture and achieve a crunchy, golden crust.
- → Can I make the Caesar spread ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the spread in advance enhances the flavors. Store it covered in the fridge for up to two days before assembling sandwiches.
- → Are there suggested add-ins for extra flavor?
Sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon add depth and variety. Feel free to customize with your favorite sandwich toppings.
- → Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, for a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken on a wire rack at 425°F until cooked through and crispy, about 20-25 minutes.