Name: Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 5 boneless, skinless chicken cutlets; 1 French baguette, sliced into 5 portions; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko crumbs; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for breading); Oil for frying

This Chicken Caesar Sandwich brings together the best of both worlds: the classic Caesar salad and a hearty sandwich. I combine crispy, golden-fried chicken cutlets with a creamy Caesar dressing and fresh romaine lettuce, all nestled inside a crusty French baguette. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I use a homemade Caesar dressing that’s rich and flavorful, without eggs or anchovies.
It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or even a party.
The recipe is customizable with your choice of bread, dressing variations, and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Caesar Dressing:
- Full-fat mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh garlic
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Romaine Lettuce: Chopped
Chicken Cutlets: Boneless, skinless, and pounded to even thickness
French Baguette: Sliced into portions
Dredging Station:
- All-purpose flour
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Eggs
- Panko crumbs
- Breadcrumbs
- Dried parsley
- Ground black pepper
- Dried oregano
- Garlic powder
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Oil: For frying

Directions

Prepare the Caesar Dressing:
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Take 4–5 tablespoons of this dressing and toss it with the chopped romaine lettuce in a separate bowl. Cover both the salad and the remaining dressing and refrigerate.
Prepare the Chicken Cutlets:
- Lay the chicken cutlets on a cutting board. If they are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to make them even. Season both sides with salt and ground black pepper.
Set Up the Breading Station:
- In the first shallow plate, mix all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, and salt.
- In the second plate, whisk eggs with salt until well combined.
- In the third plate, combine panko crumbs, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, ground black pepper, salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken cutlet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture.
- Firmly press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken into the pan.
- Fry until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until crispy and fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Slice the baguettes into 12 cm (5″) portions and cut each one open lengthwise.
- Spread a layer of the reserved Caesar dressing on the bottom half.
- Place a crispy chicken cutlet on top, followed by a generous amount of the Caesar salad.
- Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan.
- Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 5 sandwiches
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Bread Options: Substitute the French baguette with ciabatta rolls, sourdough bread, whole-grain buns, or buttered brioche buns for different textures and flavors.
Lettuce Alternatives: If romaine lettuce isn’t available, iceberg lettuce can be used, though romaine provides the classic Caesar salad crunch.
Cheese Substitutes: Grana Padano can replace Parmesan for a milder flavor.
Cooking Methods: For a healthier option, bake or air fry the breaded chicken cutlets. Brush or spray them lightly with oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. In an air fryer, cook at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

These sandwiches are best served fresh. However:

Make-Ahead: Store components separately. Keep the dressing and romaine lettuce in the fridge, the chicken in an airtight container, and the baguettes at room temperature. Assemble just before eating and add the dressing at the last moment to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the assembled sandwiches. However, cooked crispy chicken cutlets or uncooked breaded chicken can be frozen. Reheat the fried chicken if cooked or deep fry without thawing if uncooked.

FAQs

What’s the best bread for a Chicken Caesar Sandwich?

I find that a rustic French baguette, ciabatta, or crusty sourdough works great since they hold up well to the creamy dressing and crispy chicken.

How do I keep my sandwich from getting soggy?

To prevent sogginess, I add the dressing just before serving and consider toasting the bread to create a barrier against moisture.

Can I bake or air fry the chicken cutlets?

Yes! For baking or air frying, I brush or spray the breaded chicken lightly with oil and bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. In the air fryer, I cook at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

While I prefer homemade dressing for its fresh flavor, store-bought Caesar dressing can be used for convenience. Just ensure it’s a brand I enjoy.

What sides pair well with this sandwich?

I like to serve this sandwich with savory sides like French fries, potato wedges, or a jalapeno cucumber salad. Refreshing drinks like mojitos, lemonades, or iced teas also complement it well.

Conclusion

This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, combining the crispiness of fried chicken with the creamy tang of Caesar dressing and the freshness of romaine lettuce. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in my meal rotation.