Caesar Slaw With Crispy Chicken Recipe

Zesty Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken Recipe for Dinner Magic

Crafting a caesar slaw with crispy chicken takes your weeknight dinner from predictable to phenomenal.

Crunchy cabbage mingles with zesty dressing in ways that surprise the palate.

Juicy chicken pieces create irresistible texture against the tangy greens.

Creamy elements blend seamlessly with crisp components for a memorable meal.

Fresh herbs scattered throughout add unexpected brightness to this classic combination.

Seasoned home cooks and novice chefs alike will appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

You can easily make this dish your new signature recipe that impresses everyone at the table.

Crispy Chicken Caesar Slaw That’s Crisp, Creamy, and Satisfying

  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire meal in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious dinner options.
  • Customizable Comfort Food: Swap chicken for tofu, adjust spice levels, or modify vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs while maintaining the recipe's core flavor profile.
  • Meal Prep Champion: The dressing and components can be prepared ahead of time, allowing for convenient assembly when hunger strikes and reducing day-of cooking stress.

Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The star protein of the dish, tender and crispy when breaded and fried.
  • Eggs: Essential for helping breadcrumbs stick to chicken, creating a golden coating.
Breading and Coating:
  • Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, flavorful exterior for the chicken, adding texture and savory notes.
Salad Base:
  • Green Cabbage, Purple Cabbage, Kale: Provide a crunchy, nutritious foundation for the slaw, offering varied textures and colors.
Dressing Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic flavor to the Caesar dressing.
  • Plain Yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, umami depth to the dressing.
  • Dijon Mustard: Contributes a subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • White Vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the richness.
  • Anchovy Paste: Provides traditional Caesar dressing flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds fresh, citrusy acidity.
Crouton Components:
  • Sourdough Bread: Creates crispy, rustic croutons with a tangy flavor.
  • Butter: Helps bread brown and become golden and crispy.
Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and as a dressing component.

Caesar Slaw Tossed with Crispy Chicken Prep Guide

Step 1: Slice and Season Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets by slicing lengthwise.

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over each piece.

Prepare two shallow bowls:
  • Whisked eggs
  • Breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Bread and Fry Chicken

Dunk each chicken piece into egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture.

Press coating gently to adhere.

Carefully place 2-3 pieces in hot skillet.

Cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer cooked chicken to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Repeat with remaining pieces.

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

Grab a blender or food processor.

Add ingredients:
  • Garlic
  • Plain yogurt
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Dijon mustard
  • White wine vinegar
  • Anchovy paste
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend until completely smooth.

Slowly stream olive oil while blending to create silky emulsion.

Step 4: Prepare Vibrant Slaw

Chop vegetables:
  • Green cabbage
  • Purple cabbage
  • Kale

Toss vegetables in large mixing bowl.

Drizzle several tablespoons of dressing.

Mix thoroughly, allowing flavors to meld for a few minutes.

Step 5: Make Crunchy Croutons

Melt butter in skillet over medium heat.

Toss cubed sourdough bread, cooking until golden and crisp.

Sprinkle with salt for extra flavor.

Step 6: Build Delicious Salad

Sprinkle half the Parmesan into slaw.

Arrange slaw on serving plates.

Top with sliced crispy chicken.

Scatter remaining Parmesan and croutons over the top.

Serve immediately and enjoy.

Slaw Tips for a Caesar Chicken Crunch Makeover

  • Cut chicken breasts into thin, even cutlets to ensure quick and uniform cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
  • Blend dressing ingredients slowly while streaming olive oil to create a stable, creamy emulsion that won't separate or become watery.
  • Let dressed slaw rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing cabbage and kale to absorb dressing and soften slightly for better taste.
  • Use day-old sourdough bread for maximum crispiness, and toast in butter over medium heat to develop rich, golden-brown edges.

Store Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken

  • Transfer leftover Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Keep chicken and slaw separately to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, placing on a baking sheet to restore crispiness.
  • For best taste, enjoy the slaw cold and add fresh croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken Pairings

Pair Perfectly: Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken Companions

  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich chicken's crispy coating, refreshing the palate with its citrusy and herbaceous notes that complement the tangy Caesar dressing.
  • Fresh Beer Fusion: Wheat beer's light, slightly hoppy profile balances the salad's creamy dressing and provides a crisp contrast to the golden-brown chicken, creating a delightful casual dining experience.
  • Zesty Cocktail Match: Gin and tonic with a lemon twist elevates the dish's bright flavors, its botanical hints harmonizing with the Caesar dressing's garlic and anchovy undertones while cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Sparkling Mocktail Option: Elderflower spritzer with fresh mint offers a non-alcoholic alternative that brings a sweet, floral touch to cut through the salad's richness and enhance the overall dining experience.

Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken Spins

  • Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken Slaw: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour. Use gluten-free sourdough for croutons to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Vegetarian Caesar Slaw: Swap chicken with crispy baked tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Replace anchovy paste with capers or miso paste for umami flavor in the dressing.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Skip breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or ground almonds for coating chicken. Replace sourdough croutons with toasted sunflower seeds or crushed pork rinds.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a similar cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What makes the Caesar Slaw dressing unique?

The dressing blends yogurt with traditional Caesar ingredients like Parmesan, anchovy paste, and lemon juice, creating a tangy, creamy sauce that’s lighter than classic Caesar dressing.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the chicken coating and replace sourdough croutons with gluten-free bread cubes to make the entire dish gluten-free.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The crispy chicken and crunchy croutons make this salad appealing to children, while the slaw provides a nutritious vegetable base that’s easy to customize.

  • How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can easily add grilled shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or additional Parmesan cheese to increase the protein content of the Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Caesar Slaw With Crispy Chicken Recipe

Caesar Slaw With Crispy Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Caesar slaw with crispy chicken delivers a mouthwatering twist on classic salad traditions. Crunchy cabbage, zesty dressing, and golden chicken create a satisfying meal that brings fresh flavor and excitement to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pounds (lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large eggs

Cheeses:

  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

Breading and Seasoning:

  • 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Vegetables and Greens:

  • 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small head purple cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch kale, stems removed, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Dressing Components:

  • 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Oils and Fats:

  • 3/4 tablespoons (tbsp) olive oil
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Bread Component:

  • 1 cup sourdough bread, cubed

Additional Seasoning:

  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft delicate chicken cutlets by slicing breasts lengthwise into thin, uniform pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Create a crispy coating station with whisked eggs in one vessel and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in another. Ensure even, thorough coating for each chicken piece.
  3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing the surface to reach optimal temperature for golden browning.
  4. Gently dredge each chicken slice through egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb blend, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Cook chicken in batches, allowing 3-4 minutes per side until exterior turns golden and interior reaches safe 165°F temperature. Transfer cooked pieces to paper towel-lined surface to drain excess oil.
  6. Prepare Caesar dressing by combining garlic, yogurt, Parmesan, mustard, vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a blender.
  7. Pulse ingredients until smooth, gradually streaming olive oil to create a creamy, emulsified consistency. Refrigerate excess dressing for future use.
  8. Combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, and kale in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant, textured base.
  9. Drizzle dressing over vegetables, tossing thoroughly to ensure even coating. Allow salad to rest briefly, enabling flavors to meld.
  10. Transform sourdough bread into crisp croutons by melting butter in a skillet and tossing cubed bread until achieving a golden, crunchy texture.
  11. Incorporate half the Parmesan into the slaw, providing an additional layer of tangy richness.
  12. Artfully arrange slaw on serving plates, topping with sliced crispy chicken, remaining Parmesan, and freshly prepared croutons.

Notes

  • Slice chicken uniformly to ensure even cooking and crispy texture throughout each piece.
  • Pat chicken dry before breading to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier coating.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature precisely, preventing overcooking or undercooking.
  • Experiment with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a low-carb or celiac-friendly version of the crispy chicken.
  • Let the slaw sit for 10-15 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to slightly soften.
  • Swap dairy-based yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt for a dairy-free alternative in the dressing.
  • Toast croutons low and slow to prevent burning and achieve maximum crispiness without charring.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 175 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star