Looking for a fresh, crunchy, and utterly satisfying meal? Say hello to Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken! This dish is a game-changer, with crisp, tangy slaw smothered in a creamy Caesar dressing and topped with juicy, golden, crispy chicken. The balance of crunch, creaminess, and savory goodness makes every bite something you’ll crave again and again. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing side dish at your next BBQ or get-together. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken
- Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The crispy chicken takes this salad to the next level. It’s golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and adds a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the slaw.
- Creamy & Tangy Slaw: The Caesar dressing adds just the right amount of creamy, tangy goodness to the slaw, making it so much more than your average salad.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish comes together quickly—perfect for busy days when you want something both flavorful and filling.
- Refreshing Crunch: The slaw, made with cabbage and other fresh veggies, provides the ideal crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the chicken and dressing.
- Versatile: This meal can be easily customized. Swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp, or add some avocado for extra creaminess—there’s so much room to make it your own!
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for crispy, golden chicken pieces.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for that ultra-crisp coating that makes the chicken irresistible.
- Egg: The egg helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, ensuring that crispy texture we all love.
- Shredded Cabbage: The base of the slaw—crisp, crunchy, and perfect for holding up to the creamy dressing.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness to the slaw.
- Caesar Dressing: Creamy and tangy, this is the key to dressing up your slaw. You can use store-bought or make your own!
- Parmesan Cheese: A generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds a savory bite to the slaw.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and adds some zing.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For extra flavor in both the chicken and the slaw.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and giving it that golden, crispy finish.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the chicken and slaw to perfection.
(Note: Full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge the chicken breasts in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then coat them in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked through, remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Slaw
While the chicken cooks, prepare the slaw by tossing the shredded cabbage and carrots in a large bowl. Pour the Caesar dressing over the veggies and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Place a generous portion of the Caesar slaw on each plate. Top with sliced crispy chicken and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the slaw paired with the juicy, crispy chicken and creamy Caesar dressing. It’s sure to become a new favorite!
Nutrition Facts
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 4 servings total):
- Calories per serving: 450-500 calories
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 35g
- Vitamin A: 70%
- Vitamin C: 40%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 10%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken
- As a Main Dish: This dish is hearty enough to be a main course, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- Add a Side: Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a more filling meal.
- As a Salad: If you prefer, skip the chicken and serve the creamy Caesar slaw as a side salad for your favorite grilled meats.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the slaw or drizzle with hot sauce if you like a little kick.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the slaw and crispy chicken separately in advance, then just assemble the dish when ready to serve.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies to the slaw, such as red onions, bell peppers, or even some chopped apple for a twist!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
A1: Yes, store-bought Caesar dressing works perfectly here! Just be sure to choose a good-quality one for the best flavor.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the slaw and crispy chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to add the chicken right before serving to keep it crispy.
Q3: Can I use grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken?
A3: Absolutely! Grilled chicken will work just as well, and it’s a great option if you’re looking to lighten up the dish.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the leftover slaw and crispy chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, crisp the chicken up in a skillet for the best results.
Q5: Can I use different veggies in the slaw?
A5: Yes! You can add in things like shredded red cabbage, bell peppers, or even some chopped kale for extra flavor and crunch.
Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?
A6: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the slaw, or drizzle the dish with hot sauce before serving to give it a spicy kick.
Q7: Can I make this dish without the chicken?
A7: Yes, this Caesar slaw can be enjoyed as a refreshing, vegetarian salad without the chicken.
Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A8: If you don’t have parmesan, you can use other cheeses like pecorino or asiago for a similar salty, savory flavor.
Q9: How can I make the slaw even creamier?
A9: You can add a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the Caesar dressing for a richer, creamier texture.
Q10: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the crispy chicken and ensure your Caesar dressing is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken is the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and refreshing in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a delicious side, or something to serve at your next gathering, this dish is sure to impress. The crispy chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy, creamy slaw, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love. Try it today and watch it become a new favorite!
PrintCaesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Caesar Slaw with Crispy Chicken is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad. This dish features a creamy Caesar dressing tossed with crunchy cabbage and veggies, paired with crispy, golden-brown chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light but filling side dish!
Ingredients
For the crispy chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Caesar slaw:
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
For the homemade Caesar dressing (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (for tanginess, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the crispy chicken:
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Then, dip it into the beaten egg and coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the Caesar dressing (optional):
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Prepare the Caesar slaw:
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, celery, and grated Parmesan. Pour the Caesar dressing over the slaw and toss until the vegetables are evenly coated. - Assemble the dish:
Divide the Caesar slaw into bowls or plates. Top with sliced crispy chicken. - Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh ground pepper if desired.
Notes
- You can make the Caesar dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- If you prefer, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. Just coat the breaded chicken with a little olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For a lighter version, you can swap the regular Caesar dressing with a lighter dressing or Greek yogurt-based version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg