EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Crispy chicken, crunchy parmesan croutons, and a mouthwatering homemade dressing make this EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad an irresistible dish. This salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The standout qualities of this recipe include the deliciously crispy chicken that adds a satisfying texture, the homemade dressing that elevates the flavor, and the fresh greens that provide a healthy balance.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Dressing
• For the Chicken
• For Frying and Serving
• How to Make EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
• Step 1: Make the Dressing
• Step 2: Prep Croutons
• Step 3: Bake Croutons
• Step 4: Prep Chicken
• Step 5: Dredge Chicken
• Step 6: Fry Chicken
• Step 7: Assemble Salad
• How to Serve EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
• Individual Bowls
• Family Style
• Garnished Plates
• With Extra Dressing
• Make it a Wrap
• Serve as an Appetizer
• How to Perfect EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
• Best Side Dishes for EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
• Reheating EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad special?
• Can I customize my EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?
• How do I keep my croutons crispy?
• What type of lettuce is best for a Caesar salad?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy chicken and tangy dressing creates a delightful taste experience.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or side dish, it fits any meal plan.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for gatherings; everyone loves a classic Caesar salad with a twist!
• Homemade Croutons: Elevate your dish with fresh, crunchy croutons made right at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making the salad, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Heavy-based pan
• Mixing bowl
• Baking tray
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly blends dressing ingredients for smoothness.
• Heavy-based pan: Ensures even heat distribution when frying chicken for an extra crispy texture.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for tossing salad ingredients together without spilling.
• Baking tray: Perfect for baking croutons to achieve that golden crispiness.

Ingredients

Crispy chicken, crunchy parmesan croutons, and a mouthwatering homemade dressing – this chicken caesar salad has it all!

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 and Serving

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

How to Make EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a food processor, blitz together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Prep Croutons

Dice ciabatta bread into small bite-sized pieces. Toss these pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Step 3: Bake Croutons

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread grated parmesan on top. Then add the crouton mixture evenly over the cheese. Bake in the oven at 180C/350F for about 10 minutes until both croutons and parmesan are deeply golden. Let them cool; they’ll crisp up more as they do.

Step 4: Prep Chicken

Combine salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small pot. Slice each chicken breast horizontally through the center to create four even-sized pieces.

Step 5: Dredge Chicken

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with half of your seasoning blend, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining seasoning. Dredge each piece of chicken through flour first, then dip in egg before rolling in breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 6: Fry Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-based pan over medium heat until hot enough that breadcrumbs sizzle immediately upon contact (around 180C/350F). Fry two pieces of chicken at a time for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before slicing into strips.

Step 7: Assemble Salad

In a large mixing bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with your desired amount of homemade dressing—start conservatively and add more as needed. Mix in bacon pieces and croutons before serving individual portions topped with sliced chicken. Drizzle additional dressing if desired.

How to Serve EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Serving your EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad can elevate the dining experience. Consider these creative and delicious suggestions to make each serving unique and enjoyable.

Individual Bowls

• Serve the salad in individual bowls for a personal touch. This way, everyone gets their preferred amount of dressing and toppings.

Family Style

• Present the salad in a large bowl for a communal feel. Allow guests to help themselves while you provide extra toppings on the side.

Garnished Plates

• Plate the salad with some edible flowers or additional herbs for a vibrant presentation that adds color and flavor.

With Extra Dressing

• Offer extra dressing on the side. This allows everyone to customize their salad with just the right amount of creaminess.

Make it a Wrap

• Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with salad. This is a fun way to enjoy all the flavors without using a plate.

Serve as an Appetizer

• Portion smaller servings onto appetizer plates. These bite-sized portions can be perfect for gatherings or as part of a larger meal.

How to Perfect EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

To get your EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad just right, follow these helpful tips that ensure maximum flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh romaine lettuce and quality chicken make all the difference in taste.
• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning during breading! It enhances the chicken’s flavor significantly.
• Fry at Proper Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Let Croutons Cool: Allow croutons to cool completely after baking; they will crisp up even more!
• Experiment with Dressings: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste preferences; adding more lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
• Serve Immediately: For optimal crispiness, serve your salad right after assembling it; this prevents sogginess from dressing.

Best Side Dishes for EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Pairing side dishes with your EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a crunchy, buttery element that complements the salad perfectly.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring additional nutrition and color, making your meal more balanced.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds freshness and pairs well with both chicken and Caesar flavors.
4. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs offer a heartier option that kids will love.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette provides protein and fiber while keeping things light.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings sweetness and contrast, balancing out the savory elements of your main dish.
7. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw provides an extra texture while its tangy flavor enhances the overall meal experience.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add elegance and are easy to prepare ahead of time for entertaining guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad, avoid these common pitfalls for a perfect dish.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and breadcrumbs can lead to bland flavors. Always season each layer for a tasty result.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many chicken pieces at once can lower the oil’s temperature. Fry in smaller batches to maintain that crispy texture.
• Not letting croutons cool: Skipping the cooling time for croutons can make them soggy. Allow them to cool and crisp up before serving.
• Using low-quality mayonnaise: A poor-quality mayo will affect your dressing’s flavor. Opt for full-fat, flavorful mayonnaise for the best results.
• Forgetting about portion control: Serving too much dressing or toppings can overwhelm the salad. Start with less dressing, adding more as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• The salad is best eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

• Avoid freezing the entire salad as lettuce will wilt.
• You can freeze cooked chicken separately for up to 3 months.

Reheating EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken until warm. This helps retain its crispiness.
• Microwave: Use short bursts of heat on low; be cautious as this may soften the chicken and croutons.
• Stovetop: Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil if necessary to help regain some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad special?

This salad stands out due to its crunchy textures from crispy chicken and homemade croutons combined with a rich dressing that elevates each bite.

Can I customize my EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even grilled shrimp for a unique twist.

How do I keep my croutons crispy?

Ensure they cool completely after baking before mixing them into the salad. Store them separately if you plan on keeping leftovers.

What type of lettuce is best for a Caesar salad?

Romaine lettuce is ideal due to its crunch and ability to hold up against dressings without wilting quickly.

Final Thoughts

The EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad combines flavorful ingredients and textures that make it irresistible. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize it with different toppings based on your taste preferences. Try making it today for a satisfying meal!