01 -
Place chicken breasts in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
02 -
In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 -
Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Set aside.
04 -
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to 175°C. Carefully add the breaded chicken and fry for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C.
05 -
Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and let rest for several minutes.
06 -
Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
07 -
Toast slices of bread until golden and crisp.
08 -
Generously spread Caesar dressing on one side of each toasted bread slice.
09 -
Layer chopped romaine lettuce on two slices of dressed bread. Top with crispy chicken, then add sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon if desired. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.
10 -
Close with remaining bread slices, dressing side down. Press gently, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.