London Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken is the gold standard for a hearty, textured meal. While many versions exist, the secret to a world-class Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken lies in the “Temperature Contrast”—serving the chicken immediately after its resting phase so the heat of the breading slightly softens the shaved Parmesan. This creates a unified, savory flavor profile that has made the dish a staple in chic sidewalk cafés from Paris to Berlin.
Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken is a Global Dining Icon
In culinary circles across Europe, the London Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken represents the pinnacle of “reimagined classics,” bridging the gap between traditional Italian-American roots and modern European bistro techniques. While the core components—Romaine and Parmesan—are familiar, the assembly of a high-quality London Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken is a sophisticated lesson in texture and emulsion.
This dish has moved beyond being a simple side-salad to become a featured main course in urban food halls from London to Barcelona. Its universal appeal lies in its consistent satisfaction; it provides the “crunch factor” of comfort food while maintaining the light, fresh profile of a garden-fresh salad. For the home cook, mastering this dish proves that with the right attention to detail, a humble chicken breast can be elevated into a reliable, restaurant-quality masterpiece.
Preparation & Mise en Place
To ensure your Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken hits professional standards, keep these tips in mind:
- The Dry-Leaf Rule: Ensure your Romaine is bone-dry before dressing so the emulsion sticks to the leaves.
- The Resting Phase: Allow the chicken to rest for 3 minutes on a rack after frying to keep the breading from becoming soggy.
- Parmesan Ribbons: Use a vegetable peeler to create wide “ribbons” of Parmesan for better flavor pockets throughout the salad.
Traditional Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken Recipe
Serves: 2–3
Total Time: 40 minutes
Flavour Profile: Savoury, creamy, crunchy, and fresh
Ingredients
- For the crispy chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the salad:
- 1 large romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup croutons
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- For the dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise. Season with salt and pepper. Dip each piece into beaten egg, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
- Cook the crispy chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prepare the salad base:
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Place it in a large bowl and add croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently until evenly coated. Top with sliced crispy chicken.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the lettuce remains crisp.
For a comforting meal option, try our Chicken Noodle Soup
🍽 Serving
This London Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken works beautifully as a main meal or a substantial lunch. Serve it with warm garlic bread or a light soup for a café-style experience. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the chicken adds brightness, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan enhances flavour. Pair with sparkling water, iced tea, or a fresh juice for a refreshing meal.
Nutrition*
- Per serving:
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Potassium: 620 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Calcium: 210 mg
- Iron: 3.1 mg
*Nutrition data is calculated by an automated system and may vary, so it is provided as an estimate.
The London Caesar Salad with Crispy Chicken delivers a perfect balance of freshness and comfort. With its crisp textures, creamy dressing, and golden chicken, it brings café-quality flavour into your home kitchen. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, this dish is ideal for anyone seeking a satisfying yet refined meal inspired by London’s vibrant food scene.