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