This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is a tasty delight! It features crunchy, golden chicken paired with fresh romaine and creamy Caesar dressing, all tucked in a soft bun.
Sometimes, I just can’t resist taking a big bite! The crunch of the chicken and the zing of the dressing make me smile every time. It’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner!
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up. Just fry the chicken, pile on the toppings, and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts keep things simple, but you can also use thighs for more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time a bit since thighs may take longer.
Buttermilk: This ingredient helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They give that lovely crunch! If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs will work too. Just keep in mind that the texture won’t be as crispy.
Brioche Rolls: I love the softness of brioche for this sandwich. If you want something healthier, switch to whole grain rolls or gluten-free buns to cater to your needs!
Caesar Dressing: You can use store-bought dressing, but homemade is always nice if you have the time. Greek yogurt can also be a lighter alternative if you’re watching calories.
How Do You Fry Chicken to Achieve Perfect Crispiness?
Frying chicken might seem tricky, but with the right method, you’ll get that crispy coating you’re after. First, make sure you use enough oil to fully immerse at least half of the chicken breast while frying.
- Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C) before adding chicken. A food thermometer can help.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- Cook until the chicken is golden brown and registers 165°F (75°C) internally. This ensures you’re left with perfectly cooked and safe-to-eat chicken.
After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil, leaving you with a crispy and delicious piece ready for your sandwich!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 2 brioche or sandwich rolls
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of marinating, plus about 20 minutes for cooking and assembly. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 35 minutes before you can enjoy your Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in a bowl and covering them with buttermilk. It’s best to let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or for maximum flavor, overnight is ideal. This makes the chicken tender and juicy!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be the crispy coating for your chicken.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the buttermilk and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until well coated. For an extra crunchy texture, dip them back in the buttermilk and then coat them again in the flour mixture.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1/2 inch and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to get nice and hot for frying!
5. Fry the Chicken:
Once the oil is sizzling, carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Fry them until they are golden brown and cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes on each side. Once done, remove them from the skillet and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Prepare the Caesar Salad:
In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing. Toss everything well to make sure the lettuce is coated with the dressing evenly.
7. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Take the brioche rolls and slice them in half. Place one crispy chicken breast on the bottom half of each roll. Top it off with a generous amount of the Caesar salad mixture.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the salad and place the top halves of the rolls on. Serve your sandwiches with lemon wedges on the side for that perfect zesty flavor!
Enjoy your delicious Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative because they remain juicy and flavorful. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs might need a couple of extra minutes to cook through, depending on their thickness.
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and tenderness for the chicken!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches
Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the sandwich fresh, it’s best to separate the chicken from the salad and rolls, and assemble them just before eating. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave.
Can I Prepare the Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours ahead. Additionally, you can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before frying, just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even frying!
