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The Crispy Chicken Caesar

The Crispy Chicken Caesar

The Crispy Chicken Caesar is a delicious salad combining perfectly crispy, golden chicken breasts with fresh, crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy tangy Caesar dressing, and savory parmesan cheese topped with crunchy croutons. This recipe balances textures and bold flavors for a quick, wholesome, and customizable meal perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Olive oil for frying

Breading

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g. Italian seasoning)

Salad

  • 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/3 cup Caesar dressing (creamy and tangy)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup crunchy croutons
  • Optional: fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Seasoning & Garnish

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Extra parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over them for bright, savory flavor.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and dried herbs. Dip each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko mixture to ensure a crispy crust.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the chicken breasts for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes for a lighter option.
  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Transfer to serving plates or bowls and lay the crispy chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese and scatter the croutons over the salad.
  5. Final Touches: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and freshly ground black pepper over the salad before serving to brighten and enhance all the flavors.

Notes

  • Pound chicken evenly to ensure juiciness and even cooking.
  • Season each layer of the breading for maximum flavor impact.
  • Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for the best texture contrast.
  • Homemade or store-bought croutons both work well; ensure they are crunchy.
  • Use just enough Caesar dressing to lightly coat the greens without making them soggy.
  • For a spicy variation, add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.
  • Grilled chicken can substitute for a lighter, smoky flavor.
  • To make keto-friendly, replace panko with almond flour.
  • Dairy-free adaptations can be made with vegan cheese and dairy-free dressing.
  • Store salad components and chicken separately to avoid sogginess if making ahead.
  • Reheat chicken in an oven or toaster oven to retain crispiness; avoid microwave reheating.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying and Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if panko replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour; use gluten-free dressing and croutons)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Crispy Chicken Caesar, Caesar Salad, Crispy Chicken, Easy Chicken Salad, Weeknight Dinner, Crunchy Salad, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Quick Lunch