Elevate your salad game with this Quick and Easy BEST Fried Chicken Caesar Salad, a perfect blend of crispy, golden chicken and fresh, vibrant greens. This recipe brings together the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken strips, marinated in buttermilk and coated in a flavorful flour mixture, with the classic taste of a Caesar salad. The romaine lettuce is tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing and topped with grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The fried chicken adds a hearty and delicious twist, making this salad substantial enough to serve as a main course. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this salad is ideal for a quick lunch or dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh zing, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light yet satisfying meal, this Fried Chicken Caesar Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 large romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare Chicken: On a cutting board, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Marinate: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Coat Chicken: In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken strips in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the chicken strips in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep warm in an oven set to low heat if needed.
- Prepare Lettuce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange the dressed lettuce on serving plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons.
- Add Chicken: Place the fried chicken strips on top of the salad.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Quick and Easy BEST Fried Chicken Caesar Salad
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Baking sheet (optional, for keeping chicken warm)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Fried Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Caesar Salad:
- 1 large romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Lemon wedges optional, for serving
Instructions
- Fried Chicken:
- Prepare Chicken: On a cutting board, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Marinate: In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken strips and buttermilk. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Coat Chicken: In another bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken strips in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Fry Chicken: Fry the chicken strips in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Keep warm in an oven set to low heat if needed.
- Caesar Salad:
- Prepare Lettuce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Assemble Salad: Arrange the dressed lettuce on serving plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons.
- Add Chicken: Place the fried chicken strips on top of the salad.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Helpful Tips:
Croutons: For added crunch, use freshly made croutons.
Chicken Marinade: Letting the chicken marinate in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy chicken. Use a thermometer if available; the ideal frying temperature is around 350°F (175°C).
Lettuce: Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for the best texture.
Dressing: Use a high-quality Caesar dressing or make your own for enhanced flavor.
