If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s hearty, flavorful, and just a little indulgent, this Crispy Chicken Caesar Sub is a must-try! It combines juicy, crispy chicken with creamy Caesar dressing, fresh romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic butter—all tucked inside a warm ciabatta roll. This recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend treat. Trust me, it’s worth every bite!
Method
Prep the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken to ensure it is flavorful and has a crispy coating. Start with two medium chicken breasts (200g) and butterfly them by slicing them horizontally without cutting all the way through, allowing them to open like a book. Once butterflied, cut the chicken into thin fillets for even cooking. Season each fillet generously with salt and pepper to taste. In a separate bowl, combine 20g of breadcrumbs, 10g of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons of garlic granules, 2 teaspoons of onion granules, and 2 teaspoons of chopped parsley. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors. Dip each seasoned chicken fillet into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken. This coating will create a deliciously crispy exterior once cooked.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot, place the breaded chicken fillets into the pan. Cook each side for approximately 2-3 minutes or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy. This initial frying step ensures that the chicken develops a flavorful crust. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, transfer the browned fillets to an air fryer preheated to 180°C (350°F). Cook them in the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). This combination of frying and air frying results in perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with a crispy exterior.
Make the Garlic Butter
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the flavorful garlic butter that will enhance the ciabatta rolls. In a small bowl, combine 20g of softened Flora Light butter with 1 teaspoon of chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic granules, 1 teaspoon of garlic paste, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the garlic butter is smooth and well combined. This garlic butter will add a rich, aromatic flavor to the ciabatta rolls, making them irresistibly tasty.
Prep the Ciabatta
Next, prepare the ciabatta rolls to create a warm and crispy base for the sandwich. Slice the two ciabatta rolls in half horizontally. Using a brush or spoon, spread the prepared garlic butter generously on both the inside and outside of each roll. This ensures that every bite is infused with garlic flavor and achieves a golden, crispy texture when baked. Place the buttered ciabatta halves on a baking tray and bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, or until the rolls are crispy and golden brown. The toasting process not only enhances the flavor but also provides a sturdy base that holds all the sandwich ingredients without becoming soggy.
Assemble the Subs
With all components prepared, it’s time to assemble the delicious Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches. Start by spreading 3-4 tablespoons of Caesar dressing evenly on the bottom half of each toasted ciabatta roll. This creamy dressing adds a tangy and rich flavor that complements the other ingredients. Layer a generous amount of chopped romaine lettuce on top of the dressing, providing a fresh and crunchy texture. Place a crispy chicken fillet on the lettuce, ensuring each sandwich has a hearty portion of protein. Add two slices of crispy bacon over the chicken for an extra layer of savory flavor and crunch. Finally, sprinkle crumbled Parmesan cheese on top of the bacon, enhancing the sandwich with its sharp and nutty taste. Close the sandwiches with the top half of the ciabatta rolls, pressing down gently to secure all the layers in place.
Serve
Your Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwiches are now ready to be enjoyed! Carefully transfer the assembled sandwiches to serving plates while they are still warm and crispy. Serve them immediately to ensure the garlic butter remains crunchy and the creamy Caesar dressing stays fresh. For a complete meal, pair the sandwiches with a side of sweet potato fries or a light Caesar salad. To add an extra kick of flavor, drizzle some hot sauce over the sandwiches or include additional jalapeños if desired. These hearty and flavorful sandwiches make for a perfect lunch, dinner, or weekend treat that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
Chicken Caesar Salad Sandwich
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan
- Air fryer (optional)
- Baking tray
- Knife and cutting board
- Brush or spoon (for spreading garlic butter)
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 200 g chicken breast
- 10 g Parmesan grated
- 20 g breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp garlic granules
- 2 tsp onion granules
- 2 tsp parsley
- 1 egg beaten
- Salt and pepper
- For the Garlic Butter:
- 20 g butter softened
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- Black pepper to taste
- For the Subs:
- 2 ciabatta rolls
- 3-4 tbsp Caesar dressing
- Romaine lettuce chopped
- 4 slices streaky bacon cooked until crispy
- Extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken. Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut them into thin fillets. Season with salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic granules, onion granules, and parsley. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Finish in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, garlic granules, garlic paste, and black pepper.
- Step 4: Prep the Ciabatta. Slice the ciabatta rolls in half. Spread the garlic butter on the inside and outside of each roll. Place the rolls on a baking tray and bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes until crispy and golden.
- Step 5: Assemble the Subs. Spread Caesar dressing on the bottom half of each roll. Layer with crispy lettuce, a piece of crispy chicken, a slice of bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. Add the top half of the roll and serve warm.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent drying out.
- Toast the Rolls Carefully: Watch the ciabatta in the oven to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Balance the Sauce: Use Caesar dressing sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of sweet potato fries or a light Caesar salad.
- Serve with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade.
- Add a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know that Caesar’s dressing isn’t named after Julius Caesar? It was created by an Italian-American chef named Caesar Cardini in 1924! The dressing has since become a global favorite, known for its creamy and tangy flavor.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sub is the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and savory. Whether you’re serving it for a casual meal or a special treat, it’s guaranteed to impress. The crispy chicken, garlic butter, and fresh toppings come together in every bite to create a sandwich you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let me know how much you enjoyed it!