If you're craving a mouthwatering meal that's easy to make and packed with flavor, these Crispy Chicken Caesar sandwiches are the answer. The recipe includes tender chicken breasts, coated in a crunchy cornflake crust, seasoned to perfection, and topped with savory bacon, crisp lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing, all tucked inside a toasted brioche bun.
Inspired by the classic Caesar salad, this recipe brings together all the beloved elements—parmesan, Caesar dressing, and crisp lettuce—and transforms them into a satisfying sandwich. The air fryer method makes this dish healthier than deep-fried alternatives while still delivering on taste and texture.
If you enjoy these crispy cornflake coated chicken breasts, you will also love my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders.
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Ingredients
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Chicken Breast - Chicken breast is chosen for its lean, tender meat. When pounded flat or sliced thin, it cooks quickly and evenly, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Garlic Salt - This seasoning adds a subtle garlic kick that complements the other ingredients.
Paprika - Paprika gives the chicken a mild, smoky flavor and a vibrant color.
Dried Parsley - Parsley adds a touch of herby freshness.
Cornflakes - Used as a coating, crushed cornflakes provide a crispy texture that mimics traditional breading but with an extra crunch. They also absorb the seasonings well, adding flavor to every bite.
Egg - The egg acts as a binder, helping the crushed cornflakes adhere to the chicken breasts, ensuring a consistent, crispy coating.
Romaine lettuce - Romaine lettuce has crisp, tender leaves, which add a refreshing crunch to the burger.
Brioche Buns - Soft and slightly sweet, brioche buns are perfect for this Chicken Caesar sandwich.
Caesar Dressing - This classic dressing ties the whole burger together with its creamy, tangy, and garlicky flavor. It enhances the Caesar salad theme and adds moisture to the burger.
Parmesan - Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite that pairs beautifully with the Caesar dressing and chicken, echoing the flavors of a traditional Caesar salad.
Bacon Rashers - Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty layer to the burger, enhancing the overall flavor and providing a satisfying contrast to the tender chicken and creamy dressing.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Start by seasoning each chicken breast with garlic salt, paprika, and dried parsley on both sides. Rub the seasonings in to ensure an even coating.
- Beat an egg on to a plate and dip each seasoned chicken breast into a beaten egg, ensuring both sides of the chicken are fully coated in egg. Let the excess egg drip off the chicken before adding the cornflakes.
- Step 3: Press the chicken into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken breasts in an air fryer at 185°C (365°F) for 11 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your chicken, you may need to cook a bit longer. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by cutting into or using a thermometer it if needed.
5. Step 5: While the chicken is cooking, toast the brioche buns, chop the lettuce, and fry the bacon rashers to your desired level of crispness.
6. Step 6: Once the chicken is done, top each breast with grated Parmesan. If you prefer melted cheese, return the chicken to the air fryer for an additional minute.
7. Step 7: Spread 1 tablespoon of Caesar dressing on to the bottom half of each brioche bun
8. Step 8: Layer with lettuce, the crispy chicken breast, more dressing if desired, and a bacon rasher.
9. Step 9: Top with the remaining bun.
Hint: If you want the chicken to be extra crispy then dip the cornflake coated chicken back in egg and then in to more cornflakes so it is double layered!
Substitutions
Chicken Breast - If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken breast with either plant based chicken tenders or use tofu which will also absorb the seasonings well, making it a great alternative for vegetarians. You could also use a beef patty instead to make this more similar to a hamburger.
Garlic Salt - If you want a lower sodium option, use garlic powder combined with a pinch of sea salt. This allows you to control the salt content while still getting that delicious garlic flavor.
Paprika - For a spicier kick, substitute paprika with smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor, while cayenne brings more heat to the dish.
Dried Parsley - Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried parsley, adding a fresher taste and more vibrant color
Cornflakes - If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. They provide a similar crunch and texture, making them an excellent alternative for those avoiding gluten. If you do not need this recipe to be gluten free then you could replace the cornflakes with normal breadcrumbs.
Egg - For an egg-free option, substitute the egg with unsweetened almond milk. Almond milk will still adhere to the chicken and help the cornflakes stick.
Romaine Lettuce - Instead of Romaine lettuce, you can use baby gem lettuce or spinach. Baby gem offers a similar crispness, while spinach adds a softer texture and a slightly earthy flavor.
Brioche Buns - To make the dish gluten-free, opt for gluten-free brioche buns or lettuce wraps for this Chicken Caesar sandwich. Gluten-free buns maintain the sandwiches structure, while lettuce wraps provide a low-carb alternative.
Caesar Dressing - For a lighter option, replace store-bought Caesar dressing with a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing. It’s creamy and tangy but lower in calories and fat. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan Caesar dressing.
Parmesan - If you need a dairy-free alternative, use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan. Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy, nutty flavor and is a popular choice to replace parmesan.
Bacon Rashers - For a vegetarian twist, substitute the bacon with tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon. Both provide a smoky, savory flavor without the meat, making them great for vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat intake.
Variations
Oven baked - If you do not have an air fryer then you can cook the cornflake coated chicken in the oven. Heat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and cook the chicken for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Spicy - Add chili flakes to the seasoning mix before coating the chicken, or top the burger with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. You can also mix some sriracha into the Caesar dressing to bring even more heat to the dish.
Deluxe - Elevate your burger by adding guacamole, crispy fried onions, and sliced avocado. The creamy avocado and the crunch of fried onions create a rich, indulgent experience.
Kid-Friendly - Make it fun and appealing to kids by adding crushed potato chips (such as ketchup-flavored chips or barbecue chips) to the burger for extra crunch. You can also swap the Caesar dressing for a mild ranch dressing that kids often prefer.
Low-Carb - Keep it light by replacing the brioche buns with lettuce wraps or portobello mushroom caps. This variation reduces the carb content while maintaining all the delicious flavors of the original burger.
Equipment
3 plates
Air fryer or alternatively you can use an oven
Storage
If you have leftovers for this Chicken Caesar sandwich (like the cooked chicken, bacon, or assembled sandwiches), wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To prevent sogginess, store the brioche buns and chopped lettuce separately from the cooked chicken and bacon. Keep the buns in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature and the lettuce in an airtight container in the fridge.
Once everything is reheated, reassemble the burger with fresh lettuce and a new spread of Caesar dressing. Add any additional toppings just before serving.
For best results, reheat the chicken and bacon in the air fryer at 175°C (350°F) for 3-5 minutes or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat in an oven at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy. If you need to reheat the brioche buns, lightly toast them in a skillet or in the oven for a few minutes until warm and slightly crispy before assembling the Chicken Caesar sandwich.
Top Tip
Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
FAQ
The Caesar salad is named after Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur who invented the dish in the 1920s in Tijuana, Mexico. It’s not related to Julius Caesar, as often mistakenly thought.
Chicken Caesar salad typically consists of romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.
It can be healthy but often contains high calories and fat, depending on dressing and portion size.
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Recipe
Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 Large chicken breast cut through the middle to make 2 thin breasts, or 2 smaller chicken breasts pounded flat
- 2 teaspoons Garlic salt
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dried parsley
- 100 g Cornflakes, crushed into smaller pieces
- 1 large egg
- ½ Romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 brioche buns
- 2-3 tablespoons store-bought Caesar salad dressing or homemade
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2-4 bacon rashers depending on preference
Instructions
Preparing the chicken
- Start by seasoning each half of the chicken breast with ½ teaspoon of garlic salt, paprika, and dried parsley on both sides. Rub the seasonings in to ensure an even coating.1 Large chicken breast, 2 teaspoons Garlic salt, 2 teaspoons Dried parsley, 2 teaspoons Paprika
- Dip each seasoned chicken breast into a beaten egg, then press into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated.100 g Cornflakes, crushed into smaller pieces, 1 large egg
- Place the coated chicken breasts in an air fryer at 185°C (365°F) for 11 minutes. Depending on the thickness of your chicken, you may need to cook a bit longer. Ensure the chicken is cooked through by cutting into it if needed.
Prepare the Other Ingredients
- While the chicken is cooking, toast the brioche buns, chop the lettuce, and fry the bacon rashers to your desired level of crispness.½ Romaine lettuce, 2 brioche buns, 2-4 bacon rashers
- Once the chicken is done, top each breast with grated Parmesan. If you prefer melted cheese, return the chicken to the air fryer for an additional minute.50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
Assemble the Burgers
- Spread 1 tablespoon of Caesar dressing on the bottom half of each brioche bun.2-3 tablespoons store-bought Caesar salad dressing
- Layer with lettuce, the crispy chicken breast, more dressing if desired, and bacon rashers.½ Romaine lettuce
- Add on the top bun and serve immediately with a side of chips, potatoes, or a fresh salad.
