Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

from whatgreatgrandmaate.com
45 min
4 servings
723 kcal / serving

Crispy chicken caesar salad is one of my favorite weekday lunches, and honestly? It’s hearty enough to pull double-duty as dinner. This version has it all—ultra crispy chicken, crunchy romaine, garlicky homemade croutons, and a creamy dressing that hits every salty, savory note just right. It’s also great for meal prep and customizable for dairy-free or gluten-free eaters.

Ingredients

  • 4 cupscubed bread (can use gluten free)
  • 3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tspgarlic powder
  • ½ tspsea salt
  • 4chicken cutlets (1 lb total)
  • 2 tbspgluten free all-purpose flour (or regular all purpose flour)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 largeegg
  • 1 ¼ cupbreadcrumbs (can use gluten free breadcrumbs or pork panko)
  • 2 tspitalian seasoning
  • ¼ cupmayonnaise
  • 2 tbspolive oil
  • 2anchovy fillets ( or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
  • 3 tbspgrated parmesan
  • 1garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 tbsplemon juice
  • 2 tspdijon mustard
  • ½ tspworcestershire sauce (i used this gluten free one)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 largeheads romaine (chopped)
  • grated or shaved parmesan (for garnish)

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Add cubed bread to a baking tray, and drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, and sea salt. Toss to coat evenly. Bake for 12-17 minutes until lightly browned and crispy.

  2. 2

    While the bread cubes are baking, preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees (See Notes for pan frying option). Add chicken cutlets to a bowl, and sprinkle with flour, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

  3. 3

    In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another shallow bowl, whisk together breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning. Dredge each chicken cutlet in the egg wash, then coat in breadcrumbs evenly.

  4. 4

    Spray the air fryer tray or basket with cooking spray. Place down breaded chicken in a single layer then cook in the air fryer for 12-14 minutes until cooked through and crispy, flipping halfway through.

  5. 5

    While croutons and chicken are cooking, add all ingredients for the dressing in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. (You can also do this in a small bowl if you don't want to use all the dressing.)

  6. 6

    Add romaine lettuce to the bowl and toss to coat evenly.

  7. 7

    Cut the chicken into thin, bite-sized slices.

  8. 8

    Divide the tossed romaine into 4 salad bowls or plates. Top with sliced chicken and croutons. Sprinkle with more parmesan if you wish. Enjoy!