Ingredients
- Chicken:Â Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the standard, but you can also use pre-made chicken cutlets for convenience.
- Caesar dressing:Â The heart of the recipe! Choose your favorite bottled Caesar or try a homemade version.
- Breadcrumbs:Â Panko breadcrumbs will create the best crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs work as well.
- Croutons:Â Use seasoned croutons for a burst of flavor. Choose your favorite flavor profile, like garlic and herb.
- Parmesan cheese:Â Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty richness.
- Spices:Â Garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon pepper seasoning create a delicious base. You can also use Italian seasoning.
- Oil:Â A light spray of oil helps the cutlets brown beautifully (especially when air-frying).
Dietary Variations
- Gluten-free:Â Easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and croutons.
- Dairy-free:Â Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. Also, make sure you choose a dairy-free Caesar dressing if needed.
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Begin with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they’re thick, pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for faster, more even cooking. You can also use pre-made chicken cutlets.
2. Create the Dredging Stations
- Station 1 (Wet):Â In a shallow bowl, whisk your Caesar dressing until smooth.
- Station 2 (Dry):Â In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, crushed croutons, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and your chosen seasoning (lemon pepper or Italian).
3. Coat the Chicken
- Working with one piece of chicken at a time, dip it into the Caesar dressing, making sure it’s coated on both sides.
- Next, dredge the chicken thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs firmly to help them stick.
4. Choose Your Cooking Method: Air Fryer vs. Oven
- Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the coated chicken with oil. Cook in batches for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the chicken in a single layer. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
5. Check for Doneness
- The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked is by checking the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crispiness
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs:Â Their larger size creates an extra-crispy crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd:Â Whether air-frying or baking, cook in batches to prevent steaming, which can make the coating soggy.
- A Touch of Oil:Â A light spray of oil encourages browning and crispiness, particularly when air-frying.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving – this helps the juices redistribute and keeps your cutlets tender.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and croutons.
- If you want a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative. Some Caesar dressings may be dairy-free, check labels carefully.
- Experiment with different flavors of seasoned croutons!
- Leftovers can be stored and reheated. The oven or air fryer will help restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-20 minutes (depending on cooking method)
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking or Air-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cutlet
- Calories: 350-500 (varies based on cooking method)
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
