Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially when it comes to the chicken and the dressing. I always opt for fresh, organic chicken breasts if I can find them—there’s a noticeable difference in texture and flavor. For the Caesar dressing, homemade is my preference; it’s easier than you think and tastes so much brighter than store-bought. But if time’s tight, a quality jarred version works just fine. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold all the fillings without getting soggy—think ciabatta or a rustic baguette.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 4 sandwich rolls or ciabatta buns
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- Optional: sliced tomatoes or crispy bacon for extra layers
If you want to swap panko for regular breadcrumbs, that’s fine, but panko gives a lighter, crispier crust. For a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan and use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead.
Instructions
- Prep your chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally if they’re very thick, aiming for even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In another, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast first in the egg, letting the excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat a generous layer of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165°F inside.
- While the chicken cooks, lightly toast your sandwich rolls to add a bit of crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Spread a generous amount of Caesar dressing on both sides of the toasted buns.
- Layer the bottom bun with romaine lettuce, then place the crispy chicken on top. Add optional tomatoes or bacon if you like, then cap with the top bun.
- Serve immediately, perhaps with a few extra Caesar dressing drizzled on the side for dipping—my kids always ask for this!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
