Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe — Easy Chicken Caesar Sandwich

I fell in love with the Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich the first time I bit into one at a tiny café after a long weekend market stroll. The crunch of perfectly breaded chicken, the tang of a homemade Caesar dressing, and the bright pop of romaine between chewy baguette slices felt like a hug in sandwich form. It’s a comforting classic that nods to the Italian-born Caesar salad while embracing the global love for crispy fried chicken. Over the years I’ve tweaked the dressing and the breading to make it weeknight-friendly without losing the cafe-style polish — and it’s become my go-to when I want something dependable and delicious. If you enjoy quick comfort foods or want to impress guests with a simple sandwich, this recipe will become a staple. You can also check this take on crispy tenders for more breading inspo: crispy fried chicken tenders.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is for busy parents, sandwich lovers, and home cooks who crave a restaurant-style sandwich at home with minimal fuss.

Core ingredients overview:

• This Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich combines a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing (½ cup full-fat mayonnaise, 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1–2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ tsp black pepper, pinch sea salt) with seasoned, breaded chicken cutlets and crisp romaine on a French baguette. The breading uses flour, eggs, panko and breadcrumbs, herbs, spices, and extra Parmesan for peak crunch and flavor.

Tools & Ingredients:

Tools (you’ll need)

• Mixing bowls (for dressing, eggs, and breading)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (for pounding cutlets)
• Three shallow plates (breading station)
• Large frying pan or skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Wire rack and baking sheet (for draining)
• Paper towels
• Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
• Plate or tray to assemble sandwiches

Ingredients (with a short benefit for each)

• ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise – adds richness and a creamy base for the dressing
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt – brightens the dressing with tang and reduces heaviness
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard – gives a subtle sharpness and depth to the dressing
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – adds umami and savory complexity
• 2 tbsp lemon juice – provides acidity to balance the creamy dressing
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – salty, nutty flavor and a classic Caesar note
• 1-2 garlic cloves (minced) – boosts flavor and aroma
• ¼ tsp black pepper – mild heat and seasoning balance
• Pinch sea salt – enhances all the flavors
• 5 chicken cutlets (see note 1) – lean protein and the sandwich’s centerpiece
• Sea salt (to taste) – seasoning for chicken and components
• Ground black pepper (to taste) – seasoning and mild heat
• Oil (for frying) – necessary for crisp, golden breading
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour – creates a dry base layer so breading sticks
• ½ tsp salt – seasons the flour layer
• ¾ tsp smoked paprika – adds color and smoky depth to the crust
• 2 eggs – bind the breading to the chicken
• ¼ tsp salt – seasons the egg wash
• ¾ cup panko crumbs – extra-crispy texture and light crunch
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs – helps the panko adhere and adds body
• 1 tsp dried parsley – mild herb flavor and color
• ½ tsp ground black pepper – seasoning in the breadcrumb mix
• ½ tsp sea salt – balances the breading seasoning
• ½ dried oregano – herbal warmth and classic Italian note
• 1 tsp garlic powder – powdered garlic for consistent flavor
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – mixed into breadcrumbs for savory richness
• 2 romaine hearts (chopped) – crisp, refreshing crunch and classic Caesar base
• 1-2 French baguettes – sturdy bread to hold the sandwich fillings
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – final garnish for salty, nutty finish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Caesar dressing: In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise, 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, 1–2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ tsp black pepper, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate most of the dressing for the sandwiches; reserve 4–5 tablespoons for the salad.
2. Toss the salad: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped romaine hearts with the reserved 4–5 tablespoons of Caesar dressing. Toss until the lettuce is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate separately from the remaining dressing.
3. Prepare the chicken: Lay the 5 chicken cutlets on a cutting board. If they are uneven in thickness, gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to make them even. Sprinkle both sides with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste.
4. Set up your breading station: Use three shallow plates. Plate 1: mix ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ½ tsp salt, and ¾ tsp smoked paprika. Plate 2: whisk 2 eggs with ¼ tsp salt until well combined. Plate 3: combine ¾ cup panko crumbs, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 1 tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp ground black pepper, ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, and ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bread the chicken: Working one cutlet at a time, dredge a chicken cutlet in the flour mixture and shake off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then firmly press it into the breadcrumb mix until well coated. Repeat for all cutlets.
6. Heat the oil: Add enough oil to a frying pan to cover the bottom by about ¼–½ inch. Heat over medium heat. Test readiness by dropping a few breadcrumbs into the oil — if they sizzle, it’s ready.
7. Fry the cutlets: Carefully place breaded chicken into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on one side (about 4–5 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until crispy and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Use tongs for safe handling.
8. Drain and rest: Remove cooked cutlets and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or on paper towels to drain excess oil. This keeps the crust crisp.
9. Prepare the baguettes: Slice the baguettes into 12 cm (5") portions and cut each one open lengthwise.
10. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread a layer of the reserved Caesar dressing onto the bottom half of each baguette. Place a crispy chicken cutlet on top, add a generous amount of the dressed Caesar salad, and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan. Close the sandwiches.
11. Serve: Serve immediately with fries or a light side salad.

FAQ
Q: Can I freeze the breaded chicken cutlets?
A: Yes. Freeze the cooked, cooled cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven until warmed through to preserve crispiness.

Q: What can I use instead of panko crumbs?
A: You can substitute extra fine breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for panko, though the texture will be slightly less airy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free cereal.

Q: Can I bake or air-fry the cutlets instead of frying?
A: Absolutely. For a lighter version, bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for 12–18 minutes (flipping once) or air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness. For another adapted approach, see this oven/air-fryer variation: Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches (Air Fryer or Oven) – Emily Bites.

Tips & Tricks:

• Dry chicken = crisp crust: Pat cutlets dry before seasoning and breading to help the coating adhere and crisp properly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent and the crust stays crunchy.
• Fresh Parmesan matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan in the dressing and breadcrumbs for the best, authentic flavor.
• Keep components separate until serving: Refrigerate salad and dressing separately so the baguette doesn’t get soggy before eating. For more flavor combinations, try pairing with a peppery chicken twist: black pepper chicken.

Conclusion

Whether you want a classic cafe-style sandwich or a quick, satisfying meal at home, this Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich is reliably delicious. If you’d like alternate textures and flavor ideas, see this Crunchy Chicken Caesar Sandwich for a slightly different take: Crunchy Chicken Caesar Sandwich – Rachaell’s Recipes. For additional inspiration and a variety of preparation methods, check out these curated recipes: Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches and Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwiches (Air Fryer or Oven) – Emily Bites.

Enjoy your sandwich — and please share a photo if you make it! Always add

tag after Directions.