Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken

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If you’re looking for a salad that’s anything but boring, look no further than this Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken! It’s a twist on the classic Caesar salad that combines crunchy, tangy slaw with crispy chicken and that rich, creamy Caesar dressing we all know and love. Every bite offers a perfect balance of textures—crispy, creamy, and a little bit tangy. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to throw together, making it the perfect go-to dish for weeknights or when you want to impress your friends at dinner parties. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken

This dish isn’t just a salad; it’s a game-changer. Let me tell you why:

Versatile: Whether it’s a light lunch, dinner, or a side dish to complement your main course, this Caesar slaw fits any occasion. The crispy chicken adds that satisfying protein punch, while the slaw keeps things light and refreshing.

Budget-Friendly: This dish uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy, expensive items—just simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Quick and Easy: You won’t spend hours in the kitchen. The crispy chicken comes together in a flash, and the slaw is as simple as tossing everything together. Even beginners can handle this one with ease!

Customizable: Feel free to switch up the vegetables in your slaw or use a different protein if chicken isn’t your thing. You can even make it vegetarian by swapping the crispy chicken for crispy chickpeas. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish has it all—tender chicken, creamy dressing, and a burst of fresh crunch from the slaw. You’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Here’s what makes this Caesar slaw such a hit—it’s packed with flavor, crunch, and a whole lot of goodness:

Cabbage: The crunchy, slightly sweet base of the slaw. It holds up beautifully in the dressing, making it the perfect vehicle for all the flavors to cling to. Both green and purple cabbage work well, so feel free to mix it up!

Carrots: Shredded carrots add color, sweetness, and crunch to the slaw. They also pair wonderfully with the creamy dressing, giving every bite a little extra zing.

Caesar Dressing: The star of the show! Rich, creamy, and garlicky, Caesar dressing adds all the flavor you need. You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nutty, salty kick to the slaw, tying everything together beautifully.

Chicken Breast: The crispy chicken makes this salad hearty and satisfying. Coated in a crispy breading and fried until golden, it’s the perfect contrast to the creamy, crunchy slaw.

Flour, Egg, and Bread Crumbs: These ingredients come together to form the crispy coating for the chicken. A simple breading mixture that delivers just the right amount of crunch.

Olive Oil: Essential for frying the chicken to golden, crispy perfection. It also helps to bring a rich, smooth texture to the slaw.

Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bit of brightness to the dressing, balancing the richness and giving the dish that extra pop.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this easy and delicious dish? Let’s dive into the steps!

Prepare the Chicken: Start by coating the chicken breasts in flour, then dip them into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs. This creates that crispy, golden crust that’ll add so much texture to the dish.

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set it aside to rest before slicing into thin strips.

Make the Slaw: While the chicken is cooking, toss the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Add the Caesar dressing and mix until the veggies are well-coated. Then sprinkle the freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for that extra burst of flavor.

Assemble the Dish: Plate your slaw, top with slices of crispy chicken, and give everything a final drizzle of dressing. Garnish with a little extra parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon for that finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the chicken is still crispy, and enjoy a refreshing, satisfying meal with a perfect balance of flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken

This Caesar slaw is the perfect standalone meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete the experience:

Crispy Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to help scoop up that creamy Caesar dressing. It’s a great way to add an extra comforting touch.

Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit like citrus, berries, or apple slices adds a refreshing sweetness to balance the richness of the dish.

Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing it with roasted vegetables such as brussels sprouts, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

As a Standalone: The crispy chicken and tangy Caesar slaw are hearty enough to stand on their own. Just add a little garnish of fresh parsley or basil to elevate the look and flavor!

Presentation Tip: Serve the slaw in a large, shallow bowl with the crispy chicken artfully arranged on top. A drizzle of extra Caesar dressing and a sprinkle of parmesan will make it look as good as it tastes!

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make It Ahead: If you want to save time, you can prep the slaw and chicken separately and store them in the fridge until ready to assemble. The slaw can sit in the dressing for a bit to marinate and develop even more flavor.

Spice It Up: Want to add some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing or on top of the chicken will give the dish a nice kick.

Dietary Adjustments: If you’re going gluten-free, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko. You can also use gluten-free flour for the coating on the chicken.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chicken will lose its crispiness, but it will still taste delicious.

Double the Batch: If you’ve got a crowd to feed or want to meal prep for the week, double the batch! The slaw keeps well in the fridge and is perfect for quick lunches.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to swap the chicken for crispy chickpeas, shrimp, or even tofu if you want a plant-based version.

Q2: Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the slaw in advance and store it in the fridge. Just wait to add the crispy chicken until you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The chicken may lose some of its crispiness, but it’ll still be tasty.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: I don’t recommend freezing the slaw, as it doesn’t hold up well once thawed. However, you can freeze the crispy chicken separately for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven to restore its crispiness.

Q5: Can I make the dressing from scratch?
A5: Absolutely! You can make your own Caesar dressing using mayo, garlic, anchovies (or anchovy paste), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and parmesan. It’s so simple and tasty!

Q6: Can I make this recipe without frying the chicken?
A6: Yes! You can bake the chicken at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or air-fry it for a healthier alternative. The result will still be delicious and crispy.

Q7: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A7: You can definitely use pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken! Just heat it up before adding it to the slaw.

Q8: Can I add other veggies to the slaw?
A8: Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado to the slaw for extra crunch and flavor.

Q9: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A9: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing or sprinkle some hot sauce over the chicken for that extra kick.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply double the ingredients for both the slaw and the crispy chicken. This recipe is great for feeding a larger crowd or for meal prepping.

Conclusion

This Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken is the kind of dish that’ll have you coming back for more. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying—everything you want in a meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as part of a larger spread, it’s sure to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken

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This Caesar slaw combines crispy, golden chicken with a tangy, creamy slaw for a fresh and hearty meal. A perfect blend of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 34 tbsp olive oil

For the Caesar Slaw Dressing:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup olive oil

For the Slaw:

  • 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small head purple cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch kale, stems removed, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

For the Croutons:

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup sourdough bread, cubed
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Crispy Chicken:
    Thinly slice the chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets (3-4 slices per breast). Season with salt and pepper.
    Place the eggs in one shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan in another.
    Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
    Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
    Cook 2-3 pieces at a time in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
    Transfer cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined sheet. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  • Make the Caesar Slaw Dressing:
    In a blender or food processor, combine garlic, yogurt, Parmesan, mustard, vinegar, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
    Blend until smooth. With the blender running, stream in olive oil until the dressing emulsifies.
    Store any extra dressing in the fridge for 3-4 days. Stir before using.
  • Toss the Slaw:
    In a large bowl, combine green cabbage, purple cabbage, and kale.
    Drizzle a few tablespoons of the Caesar dressing over the slaw and toss well to coat. Let sit for a few minutes to absorb flavors.
  • Make the Croutons:
    Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    Add the cubed sourdough bread and toss until golden and crispy (4-5 minutes). Sprinkle with salt, if desired.
  • Assemble the Salad:
    Toss the slaw with half of the Parmesan cheese.
    Plate the slaw and top with slices of the crispy chicken.
    Add the croutons and the remaining Parmesan.

Notes

  • Make-ahead Tip: You can prepare the slaw and dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and toss together just before serving.
  • Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a bit of heat.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 856kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 915mg
  • Fat: 54g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 38g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg

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