Crispy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 chicken breast (Halved lengthwise and pounded)
• salt (To taste, for chicken)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For chicken)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For chicken)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For chicken)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (For chicken)
• oil for frying (Amount not specified)
• 2 cup breadcrumbs (The method refers to these as panko breadcrumbs)
• 1 tbsp parsley (For the breadcrumb coating)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (For the breadcrumb coating)
• 1 tbsp dried basil (For the breadcrumb coating)
• 2 eggs (For the egg wash)
• 0.333 cup water (For the egg wash)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (For the dry batter)
• salt (To taste, for the dry batter)
• 1 tsp black pepper (For the dry batter)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (For the dry batter)
• 1 tbsp onion powder (For the dry batter)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika (For the dry batter)
• 0.5 cup mayonnaise (For the Caesar dressing)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (For the Caesar dressing)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (For the Caesar dressing)
• 2 garlic (Cloves, minced)
• 2 tsp lemon juice (Adjust to taste; for the dressing)
• 2 cup lettuce (Washed and chopped)
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (For the dressing)
• 0.333 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated; for the Caesar dressing. The source text includes an extraneous “lettuce” before this ingredient)
• 1 tsp black pepper (Freshly ground, for the dressing)
• salt (To taste, for the dressing)
• 1 tbsp water (For thinning the dressing)
• 0.75 cup boiled pasta (Pasta of choice)
• Parmesan cheese (For garnish; amount not specified)
• lemon juice (For garnish; amount not specified)
• salt and black pepper (To taste, for assembly)
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (For tossing the salad)

Steps

1. 1

   Season the halved and pounded chicken breast with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Set it aside.

2. 2

   Crack the eggs into a bowl, add the water, and whisk until smooth. Set the egg wash aside.

3. 3

   In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to make the dry batter.

4. 4

   In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, dried basil, and lemon zest.

5. 5

   Coat each seasoned chicken fillet in the egg wash, then dip it in the dry flour mixture, followed by the egg batter again. Finally, coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.

6. 6

   Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.

7. 7

   Fry the coated chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. 8

   Slice the fried chicken into strips.

9. 9

   In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese.

10. 10

    While whisking continuously, drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing becomes smooth and creamy.

11. 11

    Add water as needed to thin the dressing, then season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

12. 12

    In a bowl, combine the washed chopped lettuce, boiled pasta, and Parmesan cheese.

13. 13

    Add the extra-virgin olive oil and toss the lettuce, pasta, and cheese gently.

14. 14

    Add the Caesar dressing and mix it into the salad.

15. 15

    Plate the salad and top it with the crispy chicken strips.

16. 16

    Finish with Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and black pepper. Add salt to taste if needed.

Notes

The source does not specify the pasta type, the amount of frying oil, or exact garnish quantities. It also does not provide a chicken internal temperature; cook until the chicken is cooked through.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• salad
• crispy chicken
• pasta
• American
• fried
• high-protein