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This crispy chicken caesar sandwich is perfect for lunch with friends or an easy dinner when you want something ultra-satisfying and packed with flavor. A crunchy juicy chicken cutlet meets tangy Caesar-dressed lettuce and pillowy baguette for a handheld meal that disappears fast at my table.
When I first made these sandwiches for a weekend lunch everyone raved so much I had to promise to make them again for game night. The mix of crispy chicken and creamy Caesar is addictive.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Greek yogurt: gives a little tang and lightness to the Caesar dressing. Look for full-fat for best taste
- Dijon mustard: adds a gentle kick to the dressing and helps emulsify it
- Worcestershire sauce: for a classic umami hit in Caesar
- Lemon juice: brightens the whole filling. Use fresh for the best flavor
- Garlic cloves: for boldness. Choose fresh and mince finely for even flavor
- Black pepper: for a subtle heat in both dressing and breading
- Sea salt: heightens all the flavors. Taste your salt before adding extra
- All-purpose flour: for the first layer of breading. Sift it for a lighter result
- Smoked paprika: adds depth and a gentle smokiness. Use a Spanish variety if possible
- Eggs: help the crumbs stick. Choose large eggs for coverage
- Panko crumbs: bring extra crispness. Pick a fresh box for crunchiness
- Breadcrumbs: build even coating and body
- Dried parsley: gives color and a hint of herby flavor
- Dried oregano and garlic powder: add Italian flavors
- Parmesan cheese: for saltiness and umami. Grate it fresh for best results
- Romaine hearts: for crunch in the salad. Pick ones with crisp pale leaves
- French baguettes: make a classic chewy sandwich base. Look for ones with a crispy crust but soft inside
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with high smoke point such as canola or sunflower
How to Make It
- Prepare and Pound the Chicken:
- Lay out your chicken cutlets on a sturdy cutting board. If they have uneven thickness use the flat side of a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound them gently until they are all roughly the same thickness. Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides to season the meat evenly
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- Arrange three shallow plates side by side. In the first combine all-purpose flour salt and smoked paprika. In the second plate whisk eggs with a pinch of salt until they are well mixed and slightly frothy. In the third plate mix together panko breadcrumbs dried parsley dried oregano garlic powder black pepper a pinch of sea salt and grated Parmesan cheese
- Bread the Chicken:
- Take one piece of chicken and place it in the flour mixture. Coat well and shake off excess flour. Dip into the egg wash making sure the whole piece is covered. Now press into the breadcrumb mixture patting gently to help the coating stick. Set aside and repeat with all remaining cutlets
- Fry the Chicken Cutlets:
- Pour oil to a depth of about one inch in a large frying pan and place over medium heat. Wait until the oil is shimmering hot then test by dropping a breadcrumb in. If it sizzles immediately the oil is ready. Carefully add chicken pieces leaving space in between. Fry until golden and crispy on one side usually four to five minutes then flip carefully using tongs and fry the other side until equally crisp and the chicken is cooked through. Place fried cutlets on a wire rack to drain off excess oil. Fry in batches if necessary so you do not overcrowd your pan
- Make the Caesar Dressing and Salad:
- In a medium bowl combine Greek yogurt mayonnaise Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce lemon juice garlic black pepper and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Take four or five tablespoons of dressing and toss it with chopped romaine lettuce until the leaves are coated but not soggy. Cover and chill both salad and remaining dressing if prepping ahead
- Build the Sandwiches:
- Slice baguettes into roughly twelve centimeter portions and cut each in half lengthwise keeping one side attached if you like. Spread a healthy amount of reserved Caesar dressing on the bottom half of each. Add a hot crispy chicken cutlet top with a big mound of dressed Caesar salad and finish with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Close up the sandwich and serve right away with fries or potato chips
My family requests these sandwiches for almost every special occasion because they taste as good as any restaurant chicken sandwich but feel totally homemade. The first time I served this sandwich at a family gathering everyone fought over the end with the most cheese.
Flavor Boosters
Use day-old bread for a crispier sandwich base. Double batch the breaded chicken and freeze the extras for easy dinner later. Fresh lemon juice and fresh garlic will always boost the dressing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches work great for casual picnics or game day platters served with fries or potato salad. Change up the bread for ciabatta rolls or soft sub buns if you want smaller portions. For extra freshness add thin-sliced tomato or thin red onion to the sandwich too.
Creative Twists
If you do not have panko use all regular breadcrumbs for a more traditional crust. For a dairy free option try a vegan Parmesan alternative in both dressing and breading. Greek yogurt can be swapped for sour cream or even mayonnaise if needed. Romaine can be replaced with crisp iceberg lettuce or try baby kale for a peppery twist.
This sandwich is a twist on the classic Caesar salad and makes a full meal for any season. Assemble and enjoy while the chicken is hot and the dressing is tangy—pure comfort food.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you make the chicken cutlets crispy?
Coat the chicken cutlets in seasoned flour, dip them in egg wash, then press firmly into a breadcrumb mixture including panko and Parmesan. Fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides.
- → What ingredients are used in the Caesar dressing?
The dressing combines Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, and salt for a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the sandwich.
- → Can this sandwich be prepared ahead of time?
The components like Caesar dressing and salad can be refrigerated separately. However, assembling and frying the chicken cutlets just before serving ensures maximum crispiness.
- → What type of bread is recommended?
Sliced French baguettes provide a sturdy base that holds the fillings well while adding a subtle crunch to the sandwich.
- → How long does it take to prepare the sandwich?
The total prep and cook time is about one hour, including breading and frying the chicken and assembling the sandwich.