Chicken Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken
This Chicken Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken is a flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad. Featuring golden, panko-coated chicken served on a bed of fresh romaine lettuce with homemade croutons and creamy Caesar dressing, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ideal for a light yet satisfying meal, it’s perfect for summer or any time you want a quick and delicious meal!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken breast (boneless, cut into cubes)
Salt, black pepper, red chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, dried parsley (for seasoning)
Dark soy sauce
Hot sauce
Distilled white vinegar
Crusty bread (for croutons)
Unsalted butter (for croutons)
Egg
Panko breadcrumbs
Oil (for frying)
Lemon juice (for dressing)
Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced)
Mayo (for dressing)
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
Worcestershire sauce (for dressing)
Parmesan cheese (for both dressing and topping)
Romaine lettuce (fresh)
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Mix cubed chicken with seasonings, vinegar, hot sauce, and dark soy sauce. Let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
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Coat the Chicken: Add a beaten egg to the chicken mixture, coat each piece in panko breadcrumbs.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Cook in batches.
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Make the Croutons: Cut bread into cubes. Toss with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, dried parsley, and melted butter. Air fry until golden.
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Prepare the Dressing: Blend garlic, lemon juice, mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and Parmesan. Add olive oil and blend until smooth and creamy.
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Assemble the Salad: Combine romaine lettuce, crispy chicken, croutons, and extra Parmesan in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.
Notes
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You can substitute grilled chicken for a lighter version.
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Store the salad components separately for up to 2-3 days in the fridge, but croutons lose their crunch over time.
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Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain its crispiness.
