Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich (Bold, Crunchy & Caesar-Drenched Comfort)
Derek
This crispy chicken Caesar sandwich brings together golden panko-parmesan crusted chicken, creamy Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, and fresh romaine lettuce, all tucked inside toasted buns. Oven-baked or air-fried for a healthier crunch, this sandwich is bold, satisfying, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day spreads. Ready in under 45 minutes and meal-prep friendly!
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Lunch
Cuisine American Fusion, Comfort Food
Servings 4 sandwiches
Calories 580 kcal
Chicken & Breading
- 2 large chicken breasts halved lengthwise
- Salt pepper, garlic powder
- ½ cup flour
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
Caesar Dressing (Homemade or Store-bought)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayo
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove grated
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 sandwich buns brioche, ciabatta, or rolls
- Romaine lettuce
- Shaved parmesan
- Optional: tomato slices or red onion
Bread the ChickenSeason chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with a mix of panko and parmesan.
Bake or Air FryBake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F).
Make the DressingWhisk together all Caesar dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Toast the BunsBrush with olive oil or butter and toast lightly in a skillet or under the broiler.
Build the SandwichSpread Caesar dressing on both sides of the bun, layer with lettuce, chicken, more dressing, and shaved parmesan.
Secret Tips for the Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich
1. Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: After coating your chicken in the panko-parmesan mixture, let it rest for 5 minutes, then re-dip in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust. This gives you that crave-worthy golden shell that mimics deep frying—especially if you're baking or air-frying.
2. Use Ice-Cold Romaine: Crisp lettuce = better texture contrast. Wash and refrigerate your romaine 30 minutes before assembling. The cold crunch cuts through the richness of the Caesar dressing and crispy chicken perfectly.
3. Grate Your Own Parmesan: Skip the bagged shredded cheese. Freshly grated parmesan melts better into the crust and packs a bolder umami punch. It also enhances the aroma and elevates that signature Caesar flavor.
4. Season Every Layer: Don't just rely on the dressing. Lightly season your lettuce with salt and cracked black pepper before layering. This brings out the Caesar notes and makes every bite pop.
5. Toast the Inside of the Buns Only: Brush a little olive oil on the inside of the buns and toast them in a skillet or under the broiler. Leave the outside soft for that classic sandwich feel with added internal crunch. It also prevents sogginess from the dressing.
6. Upgrade the Dressing with Anchovy Paste or Worcestershire: Want true Caesar flavor? Add ½ tsp of anchovy paste or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to your homemade dressing. It brings authentic umami depth without overpowering.
7. Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing: If you're slicing the cutlets for a layered look, let the cooked chicken rest 5 minutes. This locks in juices and keeps the crust from separating.
8. Build It Right Before Serving: For the best texture, don’t assemble too early. Keep components separate if prepping ahead—then layer everything just before eating so nothing gets soggy.
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