Homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken Caesar Salad Sub 🤤🤌🏼
Welcome to a delightful culinary journey! This Homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken Caesar Salad Sub is the perfect blend of crunchy, savory chicken cutlets and fresh, tangy Caesar salad, all nestled in a warm, buttery sub roll. This recipe is a calming yet indulgent treat, ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner. Let’s dive into the details and craft the perfect sub that your family and friends will adore.
Ingredients Overview
For the Chicken Cutlets:
- Chicken Breast Cutlets: Sliced thin or pounded to an even thickness for quick, even cooking.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Half of the coating mixture, providing that classic, crispy texture.
- Shredded and Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor to the breading.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the breading stick to the chicken.
- Eggs: Whisked to create a sticky layer that helps the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Seasonings: Poultry seasoning and lemon pepper enhance the flavor of the breading.
For the Caesar Salad:
- Romaine Lettuce: Freshly chopped for a crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds another layer of cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper: For a touch of heat and flavor.
- Caesar Dressing: Your favorite store-bought or homemade version to bring it all together.
For the Sub Rolls:
- Sub Rolls: Choose your favorite, or ask at Publix or your local bakery.
- Butter and Olive Oil: Melted together for brushing on the rolls.
- Seasonings: Black pepper, grated Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder to infuse the rolls with flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice and Pound: Slice the chicken breast cutlets thin or pound them to an even thickness.
- Set Up Coating Stations: On one plate, combine half seasoned breadcrumbs and half shredded and grated Parmesan cheese. On another plate, place the flour. In a bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Season the Coatings: Add poultry seasoning and lemon pepper to both the flour and breadcrumb mixtures.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each cutlet in flour, then dip in the whisked eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat oil and add a couple of tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Fry the Cutlets: Fry the coated chicken cutlets for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are crispy and light brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Prepare the Caesar Salad
- Chop the Lettuce: Finely chop the romaine lettuce and place it in a large bowl.
- Add Parmesan and Pepper: Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese and lots of fresh ground black pepper over the lettuce.
- Dress the Salad: Toss with your favorite Caesar dressing until well-coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Sub Rolls
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the Rolls: In a small bowl, melt butter and mix in olive oil, black pepper, grated Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder. Brush this mixture inside and on the outside of the sub rolls.
- Warm the Rolls: Place the rolls in the oven and warm for about 5 minutes until slightly crispy and fragrant.
Step 5: Assemble the Sub
- Build the Base: Place the cooked chicken cutlets on the prepared sub rolls.
- Top with Salad: Generously pile the Caesar salad on top of the chicken.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious, homemade Parmesan Crusted Chicken Caesar Salad Sub!
Helpful Tips
Tip 1: Ensure Even Cooking
Pound the chicken cutlets to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Tip 2: Crispy Perfection
Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to stay crispy and not become soggy.
Tip 3: Flavorful Rolls
Don’t skip the seasoned butter mixture—it infuses the bread with fantastic flavor that complements the chicken and salad perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the chicken cutlets and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, while the salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken cutlets, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy. Assemble the subs fresh before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken cutlets, but breading and frying fresh cutlets will give you the best flavor and texture.
Q: What type of bread is best for this sub?
A: While the specific roll mentioned might not be available nationwide, any sturdy sub roll or baguette will work well. Look for rolls with a crispy exterior and soft interior.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure your Caesar dressing is also gluten-free.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for Caesar dressing?
A: If you’re not a fan of Caesar dressing, a creamy Italian dressing or a homemade garlic aioli can be delicious alternatives.
Achieving Culinary Perfection
To truly master this recipe, take your time with each step. The key to a perfect Parmesan Crusted Chicken Caesar Salad Sub lies in the details—from the crispy, golden-brown chicken to the seasoned, toasted sub rolls, and the fresh, tangy salad. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and relish the joy of creating a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Bon appétit
