01 -
First things first, let's get that chicken ready for your Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich. Pat your chicken breasts super dry with paper towels; this is key for crispiness, trust me. Slice them horizontally to make thinner cutlets – they cook faster and stay tender. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. I once skipped the drying step and the chicken just steamed instead of getting that gorgeous crust, oops! Take your time here; good seasoning makes all the difference.
02 -
Heat a glug of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully add your chicken cutlets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. You want that *crispy* exterior, remember? Don't overcrowd the pan, or you'll lose that crisp. I've definitely tried to rush this and ended up with less-than-crispy chicken, so cook in batches if you need to. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing; this keeps them juicy.
03 -
Slice your ciabatta or baguette lengthwise. You can lightly brush the cut sides with a little olive oil or even some garlic butter if you're feeling fancy – I almost always do! Pop it under the broiler for a minute or two, or toast it in the same skillet until it's lightly golden and fragrant. Watch it closely, because toast can go from perfect to burnt in a flash; I've learned that the hard way more times than I care to admit!
04 -
In a medium bowl, toss your chopped romaine lettuce with about half of the Caesar dressing. You want it coated but not drowning. Add a good handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. This step is where the magic starts to happen, and you can already smell that classic Caesar goodness. I usually taste a piece of lettuce here to see if it needs more dressing or a pinch of salt.
05 -
Once your chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces. I like mine a bit chunky so you get a good bite of chicken in every mouthful of your Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich. This is where you can admire that beautiful crispy crust you worked so hard for! If it's not quite as crispy as you'd like, a quick 30-second return to the hot pan can sometimes revive it.
06 -
Spread the remaining Caesar dressing on both halves of your toasted bread. Layer the sliced crispy chicken on the bottom half, then pile on that dressed romaine and a generous sprinkle of more Parmesan. Close it up, press gently, and maybe even slice it in half if you're sharing (or just want to make it easier to eat!). It's going to be a glorious, slightly messy, absolutely delicious Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich!