If you’re craving something crisp, savory, and satisfying, this Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons delivers big on flavor and texture. It’s a modern upgrade to the classic chicken Caesar salad, starring juicy, golden-fried chicken, homemade focaccia croutons, and a creamy tahini-based dressing. It’s fresh, rich, and perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
To make the most of your chicken, follow our tips in this guide to keeping chicken cutlets juicy. For those wondering “Should I bake chicken at 350°F or 400°F?”, our detailed chicken oven temp guide can help ensure your crispy coating stays perfect without drying out the meat.
This Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons is more than just a salad, it’s a full, flavorful meal built around smart ingredients and satisfying textures. Whether you’re prepping ahead or serving fresh, it’s a dish worth repeating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons, gather the following fresh ingredients.
For the Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved and pounded thin)
- 1 egg, whisked
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free or regular)
- ¼ cup tapioca starch or cornstarch
- ½ tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt
- Avocado oil for shallow frying
For the Focaccia Croutons
- 1 cup torn focaccia (or any sturdy bread)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt to taste
For the Tahini Caesar Dressing
- ⅓ cup smooth tahini
- 2 anchovy fillets
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Water to thin
Salad Base
- Chopped romaine or little gem lettuce
- Optional: roasted broccoli florets
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons
1. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mash the anchovies with the garlic until a paste forms. Whisk in:
- Tahini
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Parmesan
Add 1–2 tablespoons of water and whisk again until smooth and pourable. Adjust salt, pepper, and thickness to taste. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Crispy Chicken
In one shallow bowl, mix:
- Panko
- Starch
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
In a second bowl, whisk the egg. Dip each chicken piece in egg, then coat thoroughly in the dry mixture.
Heat 1 inch of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Place on a wire rack to cool and drain.
3. Toast the Croutons
In a clean skillet, heat olive oil. Add the torn focaccia pieces and toast until crisp on both sides. Sprinkle with sea salt and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Optional: Roast the Broccoli
Toss broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast in an air fryer or oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until crisped and lightly charred.
5. Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl:
- Toss chopped romaine with a few spoonfuls of dressing.
- Add roasted broccoli (if using).
- Top with crispy chicken slices and croutons.
- Finish with grated Parmesan and a lemon wedge.
Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
Want next-level results with your Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons? Try these tips
- Don’t overdress! Add dressing slowly and toss well to coat.
- Use homemade or quality store-bought focaccia for the croutons—it makes a big difference.
- For ultra-crispy chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan during frying.
- Add a touch of lemon zest for an extra punch of citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a full meal, but you can also pair it with:
- Roasted sweet potatoes or fries
- A chilled soup (gazpacho or cucumber)
- Toasted pita wedges or grilled naan
Customizing Your Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
Want to personalize it? Here’s how:
- Swap the chicken with tofu, shrimp, or grilled salmon
- Use Greek yogurt or traditional mayo for the dressing base
- Replace focaccia with sourdough or rye bread for croutons
- Omit anchovies for a milder, vegan-friendly dressing
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Store dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Croutons can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Fry the chicken in advance and reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
- Keep all components separate until ready to serve for the freshest results.
Chicken Caesar Salad FAQs
Can I make crispy chicken without frying it?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 390°F for 15 minutes.
What’s the best bread for Caesar salad croutons?
Focaccia is the star here, but you can also use sourdough, French baguette, or even pita.
Is tahini Caesar dressing healthier than mayo-based?
Generally yes! tahini is rich in healthy fats and contains more micronutrients.
Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! just keep the dressing, chicken, and lettuce separate until serving.
Is Caesar dressing always made with anchovies?
Traditionally, yes. But you can omit or sub in capers for a similar umami flavor.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, but it won’t be quite as crispy. For best results, refer to our baked chicken cutlet guide.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and smart, wholesome ingredients. It’s a flavorful go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even an impressive option for brunch gatherings.
Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of crunchy chicken, creamy tahini dressing, zesty lemon, and savory focaccia croutons. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or adding your own spin, this chicken Caesar salad is endlessly customizable—and always delicious.
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Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons | Easy & Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A bold and flavorful Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad with Focaccia Croutons featuring golden breaded chicken, tahini Caesar dressing, roasted broccoli, and fluffy focaccia cubes. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, weeknight dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved and pounded thin
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free or regular)
¼ cup cornstarch or tapioca starch
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon sea salt
1 egg, whisked
2 tablespoons avocado oil (for frying)
1 cup torn focaccia bread
2 tablespoons olive oil (for croutons)
Chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup roasted broccoli florets (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon wedges, for serving
For the tahini Caesar dressing:
⅓ cup tahini
2 anchovy filets
1 garlic clove, finely grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast
Salt and pepper to taste
2 to 4 tablespoons water (to thin)
Instructions
Prepare the dressing by mashing anchovies and garlic into a paste, then whisk in tahini, lemon juice, Parmesan, olive oil, and water until creamy
Season with salt and pepper and set aside
In one shallow bowl, combine panko, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt
In another bowl, whisk the egg
Dip chicken pieces into the egg, then dredge in the panko mixture until fully coated
Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and crispy
Drain on a wire rack and let rest
To make croutons, toast torn focaccia in olive oil over medium heat until golden on all sides, then season with salt
In a large bowl, toss romaine with the dressing
Top with broccoli, croutons, and sliced crispy chicken
Garnish with grated Parmesan and lemon wedges
Notes
Air-fry or bake the chicken for a lighter option
Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free Caesar dressing
Croutons can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container
Dress the salad just before serving to keep it crisp
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying and Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approximate)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: crispy chicken Caesar salad with focaccia croutons, tahini Caesar dressing, homemade croutons, healthy chicken salad