Name: chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 400g boneless chicken breast, cut into small cubes (14.1 oz); 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to your taste); 1/2 tsp red chilli powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tsp dark soy sauce; 1 tsp hot sauce; 1 medium sized egg; 100g panko breadcrumbs (around 1.5 cups); oil for cooking the chicken; 100g bread, cut into cubes (3.5 oz or about 2 cups); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 2-3 pinches of black pepper; salt to your taste; 1/2 tsp dried parsley; 20g unsalted butter, melted (1 tbsp + 1 tsp); 105g mayo (6 tablespoons); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp white vinegar; 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to your taste); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 30ml lemon juice (2 tbsp); 20g freshly grated parmesan cheese (1/4 cup); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1.5 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped; 10g parmesan cheese (1/8 cup) + more to sprinkle on top

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with salad all over again! This chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken is the ultimate twist on a classic: juicy, spiced chicken cubes coated in crunchy panko, perfectly golden homemade croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties everything together. Every bite has it all — crisp lettuce, savory Parmesan, and that irresistible combination of textures from the crispy chicken and croutons. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a showstopper for friends, this chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation!

chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about how a handful of simple, quality ingredients can come together to create layers of flavor and crunch. Each item below is essential for building the perfect chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken — from the marinade to the dressing to those can’t-miss croutons!

Chicken breast (400g): Opt for boneless, skinless chicken cut into cubes for juicy bites and quicker cooking.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances flavors and brings out the seasonings in the chicken.
Red chilli powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle heat that livens up every mouthful.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Provides a subtle spice that works in both the chicken seasoning and croutons.
Paprika (1 tsp): Gives deep color and a smoky undertone to the crispy chicken.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Layers rich, mellow garlic flavor through both chicken and croutons.
White vinegar (1/2 tbsp): Brightens up the chicken marinade for a juicy finish.
Dark soy sauce (1 tsp): Infuses umami and a gentle savory punch into the chicken.
Hot sauce (1 tsp): Introduces extra kick for flavor-packed crispy chicken cubes.
Egg (1): Binds the panko to the chicken for that irresistible crunchy coating.
Panko breadcrumbs (100g): Japanese-style breadcrumbs make the chicken ultra crisp.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil for frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Bread (100g): Day-old bread works wonders for homemade, crunchy croutons.
More garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Keeps those croutons extra flavorful.
Black pepper (2-3 pinches): A dash in the croutons adds contrast.
Salt (to taste): Sprinkle to make every crouton pop.
Dried parsley (1/2 tsp): Adds a fresh, herbaceous touch to your croutons.
Unsalted butter (20g): Melted and tossed with bread for that signature rich, golden crunch.
Mayonnaise (105g): The base for a luscious, creamy Caesar dressing (use a good-quality mayo!).
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp): Delivers classic umami in the dressing.
Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Adds tang and a hint of sharpness to cut through the richness.
White vinegar (1 tbsp): Lifts the flavors and ensures the dressing stays bright.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Provides subtle spice in the dressing (adjust as you love).
Garlic cloves (2, minced): Ensures the authentic garlicky zing Caesar salad is famous for.
Lemon juice (30ml): Freshly squeezed for the most vibrant flavor.
Parmesan cheese (20g + 10g): Finely grated for both the dressing and the salad itself, bringing salty, nutty richness.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): For dressing that’s creamy but never heavy.
Romaine lettuce (1.5 heads): The backbone of any Caesar salad — crisp, cold, and refreshing.
Extra parmesan cheese: Give a finishing sprinkle for maximum flavor (because there’s never too much Parmesan).

How to Make chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken

Step 1: Marinate and Prep the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken cubes in salt, red chilli powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, white vinegar, dark soy sauce, and hot sauce. Make sure every piece is evenly coated so the marinade can really get in there, flavoring the chicken from the inside out. Let it all sit for 15–20 minutes — this resting time is the secret to juicy, flavorful crispy chicken.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken for Crunch

Crack an egg in a small bowl, beat it well, and pour it over your marinated chicken. Stir everything together; the egg helps the panko breadcrumbs stick and creates that unforgettable crispy shell. Next, dredge each chicken piece in a shallow dish of panko until it’s totally covered. This is how you transform plain chicken into the star of chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken!

Step 3: Fry the Crispy Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken cubes in the pan but don’t crowd them—work in batches if needed. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until crunchy and golden, adding a little more oil for each batch. The chicken should sizzlingly crisp up on the outside, staying juicy on the inside. Let the finished pieces rest on a wire rack while you prep the rest.

Step 4: Air Fry Homemade Croutons

Toss your bread cubes in melted butter, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley. Load them into your air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for just a few minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and irresistibly crisp. Set those croutons aside — they’ll be ready to add bold crunch to your chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken.

Step 5: Prepare That Creamy Caesar Dressing

In a bowl or jug, combine mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, white vinegar, freshly minced garlic, black pepper, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Use an immersion blender for the smoothest result, but a standard blender works, too. Drizzle in the olive oil and whisk until creamy and glossy. This luscious dressing ties every bite together.

Step 6: Assemble Your Salad

In a big salad bowl, toss together chopped romaine lettuce, your airy croutons, golden crispy chicken, and a shower of Parmesan. Pour over the Caesar dressing, toss until everything’s coated and every leaf glistens, then crown with an extra sprinkle of cheese. There you have it — homemade chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken that rivals any restaurant!

How to Serve chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken

Garnishes

For the dreamiest presentation, finish your chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken with a generous grating of fresh Parmesan and a grind of black pepper. A scattering of extra croutons on top adds even more crunch, and a few delicate parsley leaves or lemon zest strips bring fresh color to the plate.

Side Dishes

This salad is a meal in itself, but if you’re going all out, it’s delightful paired with a bowl of classic tomato soup, a side of oven-roasted potatoes, or even a fresh fruit platter. If you want to keep things light, just serve it with a hunk of crusty bread — perfect for mopping up extra dressing!

Creative Ways to Present

For your next brunch or gathering, try serving chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken deconstructed on a large platter, letting guests build their own bowl for fun. Pack portions into mason jars for a picnic, or make mini salad cups as elegant starters for dinner parties. There’s no wrong way to let those crunchy chicken cubes shine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the salad, chicken, croutons, and dressing separate in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken stays freshest when you assemble just before eating, which preserves all those lovely layers of texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked crispy chicken cubes (skip the salad and croutons). Let them cool fully, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Pop them in the oven or air fryer straight from the freezer to revive their crunch — perfect for quick chicken caesar salads with crispy chicken later!

Reheating

For best results, reheat crispy chicken cubes in an oven or air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes, until hot and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy. Toss right onto fresh salad and add your chilled dressing for a fresh-tasting meal, every time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful. Just be sure to trim excess fat, and adjust cooking time if your pieces are larger.

How do I make the chicken less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the red chilli powder and hot sauce in the marinade. You can also add a touch of honey or more mayonnaise to the dressing to mellow the heat without losing flavor.

Is it okay to skip the homemade croutons?

Of course! Store-bought croutons work if you’re short on time, but the homemade version is so easy and delicious, it’s worth the five minutes for superior crunch.

What’s the best way to make the dressing without an immersion blender?

You can use a regular blender or even whisk everything by hand — just finely mince the garlic and whisk well, drizzling in the oil slowly for a creamy, emulsified dressing.

Can I prep any parts of the salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before, make the dressing a day or two ahead, and even prep the croutons in advance. Just assemble everything right before serving for the crispiest, freshest result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to level up your salad game, this chicken caesar salad with crispy chicken is a guaranteed winner. It’s crispy, creamy, garlicky, and absolutely satisfying — just the way a salad should be. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly turns into one of your most-requested recipes!