This quick and easy recipe makes a great meal for lunch or dinner. It’s a twist on the classic Caesar salad that’s perfect for fans of the salad and sandwich lovers alike. It pairs nicely with a side of vegetables, or it could become a new staple for spring and summer-time picnics with friends or family.
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 c. panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ c. grated parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder*
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For the Caesar salad filling:
- 2 c. chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce
- Caesar dressing
- 1 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese
- Pepper
For the sandwich assembly:
- 2 ciabatta rolls or buns of your choice
- 2 slices bacon, cooked to your liking
- 1 tbsp. butter or oil for toasting
Directions:
- Prepare the chicken: preheat the air fryer or oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If the chicken breasts are too large, cut in half. Pat the chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken: in one bowl, add the beaten eggs. In another, mix panko, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the chicken: air fry or cook in the oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While your chicken is cooking, cook your bacon on the stove to your desired texture.
- Make the Caesar filling: in a bowl, toss the chopped lettuce with Caesar dressing, grated parmesan, and pepper until evenly coated.**
- Toast the bread: slice the rolls in half and lightly butter or oil them. Toast in a pan or in the oven until crisp and golden.
- Assemble the sandwich: place cooked chicken on the bottom half of the roll, top with bacon slices, then add the Caesar salad mix. Drizzle a little extra dressing if desired.
- Slice in half and enjoy!
Chef Notes:
*All seasoning is to taste.
**Optional: chop up your bacon and add it to the salad mixture.
Brooklynn Jolley can be reached at [email protected]