These Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are a tasty mix of juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing, all piled between two slices of bread. It’s like a salad, but way more fun!
I love how easy they are to make for lunch or dinner. Just grill the chicken, toss it with the dressing, and stack it up. Trust me, you’ll want seconds on this one!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced chicken breasts provide the protein base. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it, and you’re ready to go!
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine too. If you’re gluten-free, try using crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich flavor. If you want a touch of nuttiness, Pecorino Romano makes a tasty swap, or you can skip cheese altogether for a lighter option.
Caesar Dressing: You can use store-bought dressing for convenience, but homemade dressing can elevate the flavor. A simple mix of mayo, lemon juice, and some anchovy paste makes a quick option!
How Do You Get Crispy Breading on the Chicken?
For the best crispy breading, follow these steps for coating the chicken. Each part of the breading process adds flavor and texture.
- First, set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Gently coat the chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg stick better.
- Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg to moisten it.
- Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Press lightly to help it adhere well.
- Heat the oil until it’s shimmering before adding chicken to ensure it fries evenly and crisps up.
Delicious Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- Olive oil for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 hoagie rolls or sandwich buns
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 25 minutes total, including prep and cooking time. You’ll need about 10 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes to fry the chicken and assemble the sandwiches. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your thinly sliced chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Next, set up your breading station: take three shallow dishes and fill one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the last with a mix of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Bread the Chicken:
It’s time to coat the chicken! Take each slice, first dip it into the flour to coat, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, cover it with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated for a delicious crunchy crust!
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken slices. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, place the chicken pieces on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Grab your hoagie rolls and slice them open. On the inside of each roll, spread a generous amount of Caesar dressing. Next, layer in those delicious fried chicken slices, followed by a handful of shredded romaine lettuce for that fresh crunch!
5. Add Finishing Touches:
If you like, drizzle a little more Caesar dressing over the lettuce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for that added flavor. Yum!
6. Serve:
Close up the sandwiches and serve them immediately with extra Caesar dressing on the side or a fresh salad. Enjoy every bite of your Chicken Caesar Sandwiches!
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Just make sure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker pieces.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make gluten-free Chicken Caesar Sandwiches, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating. Just make sure to check that your Caesar dressing is gluten-free as well!
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sandwiches assembled and the lettuce separate to avoid sogginess. Reheat the chicken in the oven to keep it crispy.
Can I Make the Chicken in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare and fry the chicken ahead of time, then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes before assembling the sandwiches. This way, you’ll have a quicker meal that still tastes fresh!
