Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich Melts

Discover the Crunchy Caesar Delight: Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich Melts, a delicious twist on a classic favorite. This recipe features juicy fried chicken, rich homemade Caesar dressing, fresh romaine lettuce, and gooey cheese, all encased in toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread. Perfect for a hearty lunch or casual dinner, this sandwich melds crispy and creamy textures while delivering bold flavors in every bite. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this savory delight!

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Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Oil for frying

For the Caesar Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

4 slices of sourdough or ciabatta bread

4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped

Extra Parmesan shavings for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

- In a bowl, marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for extra tenderness.

Make the Coating:

- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the seasoned flour. Ensure a nice, even coating.

Fry the Chicken:

- Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

- Carefully add the coated chicken breasts to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

- Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Caesar Dressing:

- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Sandwich Melts:

- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

- Spread a generous layer of Caesar dressing on one side of each slice of bread.

- On two slices, layer the crispy chicken, followed by the chopped romaine lettuce, and then add the cheese slices. Top with the remaining slices of bread.

Grill the Sandwiches:

- Butter the exterior of the sandwich lightly if desired for extra crispness.

- Place the sandwiches on the hot skillet, pressing them down slightly. Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve:

- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, allow them to cool slightly, and cut in half. Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and serve with extra Caesar dressing on the side, if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings