Name: Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Ingredients: 120 g all-purpose flour; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper (plus more); 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp ground cumin; 0.5 tsp kosher salt (plus more); 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 1 large egg; 2 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts (6- to 8-oz.); 1.5 cups vegetable oil; 10 to 12 large romaine lettuce leaves (sliced into ribbons); 7 Tbsp Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade, divided); 4 pieces brioche buns (halved and toasted); 1 piece red onion (thinly sliced); 1 medium tomato (thinly sliced); 2 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan

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Introduction

Nothing beats the satisfying crunch and savory bite of a Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. This classic mash-up takes a tender chicken cutlet, doused in zesty Caesar dressing and piled high with fresh lettuce, tomato, and Parmesan, then sandwiched between buttery brioche buns. By combining crisp textures with creamy Caesar goodness, this sandwich transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable taste sensation.

As an American twist on a beloved salad, the Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich brings all the creamy, tangy flavors you love plus a satisfying crunch to your lunch or dinner table. It’s the kind of dish that feels both gourmet and homey, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. You’ll appreciate how the bold seasoning and fresh ingredients come together in every bite.

Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, serving friends at a casual backyard cookout, or simply craving a delicious comfort meal, this creation hits all the right notes. You get juicy chicken, crisp lettuce ribbons, sharp Parmesan, and that creamy Caesar kick all wrapped up in a soft bun. Get ready to elevate your sandwich game with this showstopper recipe for the Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Perfect Crunch Meets Creamy Dressing: The seasoned flour and paprika create a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with rich Caesar dressing.
Quick Prep for Busy Days: With simple pantry spices and a straightforward fry-and-assemble method, dinner’s on the table in under 30 minutes.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will devour this handheld, making it an ideal choice for family meals or gatherings.
Customizable to Taste: Easily swap in gluten-free flour, turkey cutlets, or low-fat dressing to suit dietary needs.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: You’ll impress guests with a gourmet-quality sandwich without any complicated techniques.

Ingredients for the Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich (With Tips/Substitutions)

1 cup (120 g.) all-purpose flour
[Tip: For extra crunch, add 2 Tbsp. of cornstarch or swap half for gluten-free flour blend.]
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more
[Tip: Adjust spice level to taste or use crushed red pepper flakes for heat.]
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
[Tip: Freshly minced garlic can be used—just reduce amount to 1/4 tsp.]
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
[Tip: Adds subtle warmth; omit if you prefer a more traditional Caesar flavor.]
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
[Tip: Taste and adjust after dredging for balanced seasoning.]
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
[Tip: Swap with regular paprika for milder flavor or chipotle powder for extra smokiness.]
1 large egg
[Tip: Beat until yolk and white are fully combined for even coating.]
2 (6- to 8-oz.) skinless, boneless chicken breasts
[Tip: Pound to 1/2-inch thickness if you prefer even thinner cutlets.]
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
[Tip: Use canola or peanut oil for a higher smoke point.]
10 to 12 large romaine lettuce leaves, sliced into ribbons
[Tip: Rinse and spin dry thoroughly to prevent watery sandwich.]
7 Tbsp. store-bought or homemade Caesar salad dressing, divided
[Tip: Homemade gives the brightest flavor—add 1 tsp. Dijon mustard if making from scratch.]
4 brioche buns, halved and toasted
[Tip: Replace with ciabatta rolls or kaiser buns if desired.]
1 red onion, thinly sliced
[Tip: Soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes to tame sharpness.]
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
[Tip: Use Roma tomatoes for less juice or heirloom for extra sweetness.]
2 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan
[Tip: Freshly grated delivers superior flavor over pre-grated varieties.]

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich

Prep the Coating
To start your Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich, combine the flour, black pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish. Whisk thoroughly to break up any clumps and ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This foundation gives the chicken its signature crunch and depth of flavor—don’t skip the whisk.
Beat the Egg
When preparing the chicken for your Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich, crack the egg into another shallow bowl and beat until the yolk and white are fully mixed. This simple step helps the flour mixture adhere uniformly to each cutlet. You want a thin, even layer of egg that clings without dripping excessively.
Butterfly and Cut the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice into the thickest side about three-quarters of the way through, then open like a book to create two even cutlets from each breast. These techniques ensure your Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich has a perfect crust and cooks through in the same amount of time.
Season and Dredge
After frying, you’re one step closer to enjoying your Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich, but first, season each cutlet with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture. Place the dredged cutlets on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to rest—this prevents soggy spots and keeps the crust intact.
Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke. Carefully add the cutlets, frying 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should read 165°F). Transfer to paper towels to drain, preserving that irresistible crunch.
Dress the Lettuce
In a medium bowl, toss the romaine ribbons with 3 tablespoons of Caesar dressing. Make sure every leaf is lightly coated—this step infuses the lettuce with flavor without overwhelming the sandwich or making it soggy.
Assemble the Sandwich
Spread the remaining 4 tablespoons of dressing on the bottom halves of the toasted brioche buns. Assemble your Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich by layering the fried cutlet, dressed lettuce ribbons, tomato slices, red onion rings, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Top with the remaining bun halves and lightly press to secure everything in place.

Recipe Variations / Optional Add-Ons

Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp. cayenne pepper to the flour mix or drizzle hot sauce over the cutlet before adding lettuce.
Herb Infusion: Mix 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp. chopped anchovies into the Caesar dressing for an authentic twist.
Healthier Swap: Oven-bake the breaded cutlets at 425°F for 15–18 minutes instead of frying, flipping halfway through.
Cheese Upgrade: Swap Parmesan for shaved Pecorino Romano or add a slice of provolone for creamy melt.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Sides: Pair with sweet potato fries or kettle-cooked chips and pickle spears for that diner-style experience.
Light Salad: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness.
Party Platter: Slice sandwiches in halves or thirds, arrange on a large board with extra dressing for dipping, and watch them disappear.

Storage & Leftover Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftover cutlets and lettuce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven on a wire rack for 8–10 minutes to revive the crisp coating.
Make-Ahead: Coat and fry the cutlets up to a day ahead; re-crisp in the oven just before assembly.
Next-Day Use: Chop leftover chicken and mix with extra Caesar dressing for a quick salad or wrap filling.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Whether you’re making this Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich for a quick lunch or a weekend feast, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for crunch, creaminess, and flavor all at once. The straightforward steps and simple ingredients mean anyone can master this recipe and possibly become everyone’s favorite sandwich maker.

If you tried this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate it ★★★★★, snap a photo, and share your creation on social media with the hashtag #FriedChickenCaesarSandwich. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Fried Chicken Caesar Sandwich

A delicious sandwich featuring fried chicken, romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

120 g all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper plus more
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp kosher salt plus more
0.5 tsp smoked paprika
1 large egg
2 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts 6- to 8-oz.
1.5 cups vegetable oil
10 to 12 large romaine lettuce leaves sliced into ribbons
7 Tbsp Caesar salad dressing store-bought or homemade, divided
4 pieces brioche buns halved and toasted
1 piece red onion thinly sliced
1 medium tomato thinly sliced
2 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan

Instructions

Preparation

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and smoked paprika by whisking them together. In another shallow bowl, beat the egg until mixed.
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice into the thickest side of each breast, cutting three-quarters of the way through. Open the breast like a book and continue cutting until you have two thinner cutlets. Do this for the remaining breast to have a total of four cutlets.
Season the chicken cutlets all over with salt and pepper. Dip each cutlet into the egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat each piece thoroughly in the flour mixture and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
Heat the oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the chicken cutlets until the crust turns golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and let it drain on paper towels.
In a medium bowl, mix the romaine lettuce with 3 tablespoons of the Caesar dressing until the lettuce is well coated.
Spread the remaining 4 tablespoons of dressing on the cut sides of the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place a piece of fried chicken on each bun and top with sliced onion, tomato, the Caesar-dressed romaine, and grated Parmesan. Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the buns.