These Chicken Caesar Sandwiches are a tasty treat! They’re filled with juicy chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, all packed between two slices of bread. Yum!
I love how quickly these sandwiches come together. They’re perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, and I can easily customize them with extra toppings. Enjoy a bite, and you’ll be hooked! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, large chicken breasts are ideal. If you want something leaner, you could use turkey cutlets instead. I’ve found that chicken thighs work well too, as they stay juicier during cooking.
Bread Crumbs: I used plain breadcrumbs for a classic crunch, but panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture. If you want a gluten-free option, try crushed rice cakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Caesar Dressing: A key flavor here! If you’re watching calories, a light Caesar dressing is a great substitute. You could also make your own with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce for a fresher taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and is a must in this recipe. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well too. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Get the Chicken Extra Crispy?
To achieve that nice crispy coating on your chicken cutlets, follow these simple steps:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. You can test this by dropping a breadcrumb in the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet! Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- After frying, baking the chicken helps it cook through without losing that crunch. This is a great technique for juicy chicken!
How to Make Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Olive oil for frying
For the Sandwiches:
- 4 hoagie or sub rolls
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: extra Caesar dressing for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prep and an additional 20 minutes to cook, so expect to spend around 40 minutes total. You’ll be mixing, frying, and baking your chicken, plus preparing a delicious Caesar salad to go in your sandwiches. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Chicken:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Season each piece with salt and pepper. This will make them cook evenly and add great flavor!
2. Set Up the Breading Stations:
In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading stations. In the first bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. This organization will make breading the chicken easier.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Now, take each chicken piece, dredge it in the flour mixture, dip it in the eggs, and lastly, coat it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well coated to get a nice crispy texture when cooked.
4. Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken cutlets. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. After frying, transfer the cutlets to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for another 10 minutes to ensure they are cooked all the way through.
5. Prepare the Caesar Salad:
While your chicken bakes, take a bowl and mix the chopped romaine lettuce with the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour in the Caesar dressing and toss everything together until well combined. This will be the fresh topping for your sandwiches.
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the chicken is done, slice open the hoagie rolls, being careful not to cut all the way through. If you’d like, spread a little extra Caesar dressing on the inside of the rolls. Then, place one or two pieces of chicken inside each roll. Top with the Caesar salad mixture you just made.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Optionally, you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top and serve with additional Caesar dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Caesar Sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water method by sealing the chicken in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Ensure it’s patted dry with paper towels before breading for the best results.
What If I Don’t Have Breadcrumbs?
No problem! You can make your own breadcrumbs by processing stale bread in a food processor or using crushed crackers or cornflakes. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead!
How to Store Leftover Sandwiches?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain crispiness, keep the components separate – store the chicken and salad mixture individually, and assemble the sandwiches fresh when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Customize the Salad in the Sandwich?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like sliced tomatoes, croutons, or even bacon for extra flavor. You can also substitute the romaine with spinach or kale according to your preference!
