Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich:
If you love the classic Caesar salad, you’ll be obsessed with this Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich. Tender marinated chicken is fried to golden perfection, then layered on crusty bread with creamy homemade Caesar dressing, fresh romaine lettuce, and plenty of Parmesan. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, this sandwich packs bold flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Worthy at Home: Crispy, juicy chicken paired with fresh toppings and homemade dressing.
- Versatile Meal: Great for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch you can prep ahead.
- Simple Ingredients: Most items are pantry staples you already have on hand.
- Customizable: Add tomatoes, crispy bacon, or your favorite artisan bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 slices crusty bread (such as ciabatta or sourdough)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: sliced tomatoes
- Optional: crispy cooked bacon
How to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a bowl or resealable bag with the buttermilk. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for the juiciest texture.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Set aside on a plate.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C). Gently add chicken breasts and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).
- Drain and Rest: Transfer fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and rest for a few minutes.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste until creamy and smooth.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread slices until crisp and golden on the edges.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread Caesar dressing on each slice of bread. Layer romaine lettuce on the bottom slices, then top with crispy chicken breasts.
- Add Extras: Top with sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and additional Parmesan if desired.
- Finish and Serve: Cover with the remaining bread slices, dressing side down. Press gently, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Make it Lighter: Use grilled chicken instead of fried for a lower-calorie option.
- Add Texture: Layer with thinly sliced red onion or a few pickles for extra crunch.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture for heat.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Bread and fry chicken ahead, then reheat in the oven before assembling.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this sandwich with:
- Oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Homemade coleslaw
- Fresh fruit for a lighter side
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store the chicken separately from the bread and toppings to keep everything crisp. Refrigerate the fried chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes before assembling your sandwich.
More Sandwich Recipes to Try
This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is proof that classics are even better when you layer them between warm, crusty bread. Try it for your next easy meal and watch it disappear fast!