Description
EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad takes the classic Caesar salad to new heights with golden, ultra-crispy chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons. This hearty, flavorful salad is perfect for lunch or dinner, delivering all the comfort of a traditional Caesar with a crispy chicken twist. Quick to prepare and customizable, this dish is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 large eggs (beaten)
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Salad:
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6 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
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1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
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Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets (this helps them cook evenly and become crispier).
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In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
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In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
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Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press lightly to ensure even coating.
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Fry the Chicken:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F/175°C).
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Fry the chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
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Assemble the Salad:
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In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, ensuring the leaves are evenly coated.
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Add the sliced crispy chicken on top of the dressed lettuce.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and add croutons for extra crunch.
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Serve:
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Serve the EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired.
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Notes
For a lighter version, grill the chicken instead of frying.Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading.Customize with additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.To make it gluten-free, substitute gluten-free bread for croutons and a gluten-free flour blend for the breading.