EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken with fresh greens and a creamy dressing, you’re in the right place! My EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is one of those recipes that has become a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet refreshing. Plus, it’s great for gatherings; everyone loves a good salad that feels indulgent without being too heavy.

This recipe brings together crispy chicken, crunchy parmesan croutons, and a mouthwatering homemade dressing. It’s not just a salad—it’s an experience! Let’s dive into why this dish is going to be your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful salad in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy the combination of flavors and textures—it’s a surefire hit with kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the croutons and dressing in advance to save time during busy dinner nights.
• Packed with Flavor: The crispy chicken paired with tangy dressing creates an unforgettable taste experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix things up with your favorite toppings or add-ins!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad, you’ll need some simple and 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 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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in cherry tomatoes or avocado for added freshness and nutrition.
• Change the greens: Try kale or spinach instead of romaine for a change of texture.
• Go dairy-free: Use a cashew-based mayo or yogurt alternative if you’re avoiding dairy.

How to Make EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients until smooth. This homemade dressing is so much better than store-bought! It adds richness and flavor that ties everything together beautifully.

Step 2: Prep the Croutons

Dice your ciabatta bread into small bite-sized pieces. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. This step ensures your croutons are flavorful and perfectly crunchy!

Step 3: Bake the Croutons

Spread grated parmesan on parchment paper on a tray. Add your seasoned croutons on top and bake at 180C/350F for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Allowing them to cool will make them even crispier—trust me!

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner pieces. Season with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper for extra flavor. Thinner cuts cook faster and create that ideal crispy texture.

Step 5: Dredge the Chicken

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with half of your seasoning blend, one with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with remaining seasonings. Dredge each piece of chicken through these stages thoroughly for maximum crunch!

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-based pan over medium heat until it’s hot enough that breadcrumbs sizzle when dropped in. Fry two pieces at a time for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re deep golden brown and cooked through. Place on a wire rack afterward to keep them crisp.

Step 7: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with your desired amount of dressing—start light and add more as needed! Add in bacon bits and croutons before serving individual portions topped with sliced chicken. Drizzle more dressing if desired.

Enjoy this EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad as an impressive dinner or fun family meal!

Pro Tips for Making EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Making the perfect EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is all about those little details that elevate your dish to the next level. Follow these tips to ensure your salad shines!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh romaine lettuce not only adds crunch but also enhances the overall flavor of your salad. Opt for vibrant, crisp heads of romaine for the best results.
• Double-Dredging Technique: For an extra crispy chicken, consider double-dredging your chicken breasts. This means coating them in flour, dipping in egg, and then coating again with breadcrumbs for that unbeatable crunch.
• Mind the Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If it’s too cool, your chicken will absorb more oil and become greasy instead of crispy. A good rule of thumb is to heat the oil until a breadcrumb sizzles immediately when dropped in.
• Let Croutons Cool: After baking, give your croutons some time to cool on a wire rack. This helps them crisp up even more as they cool down, making them delightful crunchy bites in your salad.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your lettuce fresh and crisp, add the dressing just before serving. This prevents sogginess and ensures every bite remains light and flavorful.

How to Serve EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this delightful salad! Here are some ideas to showcase your dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side so guests can add a zesty squeeze if desired.
• Extra Parmesan: Grate some additional parmesan over the top right before serving for an extra touch of richness and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread complements the flavors of the Caesar salad perfectly. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
• Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and nutrition alongside your salad while being a great way to use up leftovers!
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken caesar salad.
• Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a sweet finish to balance out savory flavors.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to impressing family and friends with this deliciously crispy chicken caesar salad! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make components ahead of time, ensuring a quick, delicious meal whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy.
• Consume leftovers within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• While it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken separately.
• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Reheat frozen chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Avoid reheating croutons; instead, prepare fresh ones when serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful dish!

How do I make EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?

To make this salad extra crispy, ensure your chicken is well-coated in breadcrumbs and fry it in hot oil until golden brown. It’s all about that crunch!

Can I add other ingredients to my EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to personalize your salad with additional toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or even grilled vegetables for added flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of anchovies in the dressing?

If anchovies aren’t your thing, you can replace them with a tablespoon of capers or simply omit them for a vegetarian-friendly dressing.

How long does it take to prepare the EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes to cook, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy creating this EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with crunchy textures and rich flavors. Whether it’s for family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try it!