Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken

2 chicken breasts, about 6-8 ounces each, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1/4 cup for frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

For the Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

For Assembly

1 baguette, about 18-20 inches long
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound each chicken breast to an even 1/2-inch thickness. In a shallow dish, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Drizzle the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then dredge each piece in the seasoning mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
⏱️ 5 min
2
Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second shallow dish, and panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. Dip each seasoned chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
⏱️ 5 min
3
Cook the chicken: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the pan. Fry for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from the pan and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
⏱️ 10 min
4
Make the Caesar dressing: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
⏱️ 5 min
5
Prepare the bread: Slice the baguette lengthwise. Spread softened butter evenly on the cut sides of both baguette halves. Heat a clean skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the buttered baguette halves cut-side down in the pan and toast for 2-4 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Remove from heat.
⏱️ 5 min
6
Dress the lettuce: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce with about half of the prepared Caesar dressing. Toss gently to ensure the lettuce is evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min
7
Assemble the sandwiches: Spread an additional layer of Caesar dressing onto the bottom half of each toasted baguette. Place one crispy fried chicken breast on top of the dressing. Pile a generous portion of the dressed Caesar salad over the chicken. Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette.
⏱️ 3 min
8
Serve: Carefully cut each sandwich in half, if desired, and serve immediately. Garnish with extra shaved Parmesan cheese, if using.