EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that brings smiles to the dinner table, then this EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is just what you need! It’s not only packed with flavor but also features crispy chicken and crunchy parmesan croutons that make every bite a delight. This recipe has become a family favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or even special gatherings. You’ll find that everyone loves the homemade dressing, which ties everything together beautifully!

Let’s dive into this delicious creation. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: With crispy chicken and tasty croutons, it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the dressing and croutons in advance for an even quicker meal!
• Customizable: Feel free to personalize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Satisfying Flavor: The combination of textures and flavors makes this salad truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dressing

• 1 cup / 240g full fat Mayo
• 1/3 cup / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 Anchovy Fillets
• 2 tbsp Milk (preferably whole milk)
• 1 Lemon (juice only)
• 1 tsp EACH: Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 small clove of Garlic
• 1/4 tsp EACH: Salt, Black Pepper (or to taste)

For the Chicken

• 2x 7-9oz/200-250g Chicken Breasts
• 1 cup / 65g Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup / 40g Flour
• 2 Eggs (beaten)
• 1 tsp EACH: Salt, Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper

For Frying

• 1 cup / 240ml Vegetable Oil (for frying)

For the Salad

• 2 large heads of Romaine Lettuce (chopped, approx 8oz/220g EACH)
• 6 slices of Bacon (cooked, cooled & diced)
• 4oz / 120g Ciabatta (preferably day old)
• 1/2 cup / 40g freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt, Garlic Powder & Black Pepper (for croutons)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or arugula for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
• Go vegetarian: Omit the bacon and double up on vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.

How to Make EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by making your dressing. In a food processor, blitz together mayo, parmesan, anchovy fillets, milk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth. This step is crucial because a creamy dressing elevates your salad’s flavors!

Step 2: Prep Croutons

Next up are those delightful croutons! Dice your ciabatta into small bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil along with garlic powder and black pepper plus a pinch of salt. This adds flavor to our croutons before they even hit the oven.

Step 3: Bake Croutons

Line a tray with parchment paper and spread grated parmesan over it. Then place your crouton mixture on top and bake at 180C/350F for about 10 minutes until they’re golden brown. Letting them cool will make them super crispy!

Step 4: Prep Chicken

While those croutons are baking, let’s prepare the chicken! Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces. By doing this, they will cook faster and become crispier when fried.

Step 5: Dredge Chicken

Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour mixed with half of your seasoning blend, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with the rest of the seasoning. Dredge each piece of chicken in flour first, then egg, followed by breadcrumbs for a perfectly coated crust.

Step 6: Fry Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-based pan over medium heat until hot enough that breadcrumbs sizzle upon contact. Fry two pieces of chicken at a time for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re deep golden brown and piping hot inside. This step ensures that your chicken turns out crispy outside while remaining juicy inside.

Step 7: Assemble Salad

In a large mixing bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with your desired amount of dressing. Start light—you can always add more later! Mix in bacon bits and those lovely croutons before serving individual portions topped with sliced chicken. Drizzle more dressing if desired for that extra yum factor!

And there you have it—your very own EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad! Enjoy every bite; I know you will!

Pro Tips for Making EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking novice, these tips will help you nail the perfect crispy chicken caesar salad every time!

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, giving your chicken that extra crunch you crave.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, let your chicken rest on a wire rack. This helps maintain its crispiness by allowing excess oil to drip off rather than sitting in it.
• Homemade Dressing is Key: While store-bought dressings can be convenient, making your own dressing really enhances the flavors of this salad and allows you to control the ingredients.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, cook only a couple of pieces at a time. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken instead of crispy perfection.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad right after assembling. Waiting too long can make the croutons soggy and diminish that delightful crunch.

How to Serve EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Presentation makes all the difference! Elevate your EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with these simple serving ideas that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges add a splash of color and an extra zing when squeezed over the salad just before eating.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley not only adds vibrant color but also a fresh herbaceous note that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, garlic bread is both comforting and delicious, making it a perfect companion to this salad.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots bring an earthy flavor and balance to your meal.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes offers a nutritious contrast while being refreshing on the palate.
• Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad can serve as a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the caesar salad, rounding out your meal perfectly.

Enjoy every bite of your EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with these tips and serving suggestions! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is not only a delight to eat but also perfect for meal prep! You can prepare components in advance for a quick and satisfying meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the salad to cool completely before storing.
• Keep the dressing separate from the salad to prevent wilting.
• Store chicken, croutons, and lettuce in airtight containers in the fridge.
• Use within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• It’s best to freeze the chicken separately if you plan on saving leftovers.
• Allow cooked chicken to cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Croutons can also be frozen; just store them in an airtight container.
• Avoid freezing the lettuce or dressing, as they don’t thaw well.

Reheating

• Reheat chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• For croutons, reheat briefly in the oven to restore their crispiness.
• Serve cold or at room temperature when ready to enjoy your salad!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

How do I make EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or chickpea flour. Ensure your breadcrumbs are also labeled gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought dressing for my EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?

Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds a personal touch, using a high-quality store-bought Caesar dressing can save time and still deliver great flavor.

What can I use instead of anchovies in my EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?

If you prefer not to use anchovies, consider adding capers or using a vegan Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor without fish.

Can I prepare the crispy chicken ahead of time for my Caesar salad?

Yes! You can fry the chicken ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving to maintain its crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad as I am! It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep throughout the week. The combination of crunchy textures and rich flavors makes it truly special. Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me. Happy cooking!