Caesar Fried Chicken: Your Ultimate Recipe for Unforgettable Summer Picnics
Imagine the perfect summer day: a warm breeze, bright sunshine, lush green grass, and the joyous laughter of loved ones. For many, this idyllic scene instantly brings to mind one glorious word: picnic. It’s an enchanting image filled with mouth-watering treats like creamy potato salad, classic fried chicken, refreshing coleslaw, crunchy potato chips, and sweet, juicy strawberries and watermelon.
Elevate Your Picnic Experience with a Flavorful Twist
While the traditional picnic spread is undeniably comforting, let’s be honest: planning can sometimes feel like a chore. The quest for unique yet reliably delicious picnic food can be challenging, especially when you want to avoid bringing the same old predictable dishes. You need something that travels well, holds up beautifully in a picnic basket or cooler, and offers a familiar appeal with a touch of novelty. Fried chicken is always a crowd-pleaser, but sometimes you crave something extraordinary.
If you’ve ever found yourself nodding in agreement, then prepare to say a resounding hello to my latest culinary inspiration: Caesar Fried Chicken! This isn’t just any fried chicken; it’s a revelation. With its bold, savory Caesar flavor and irresistible crispiness, it’s anything but boring. In fact, it’s destined to become the star of your next outdoor gathering, perfect whether served hot or delightfully cold.
The Magic of Summer and Outdoor Dining
For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, picnics aren’t just meals; they’re a cherished ritual, signaling the true arrival of summer. After enduring long, dark, and often frigid winters, the mere thought of dining outdoors, sitting on the ground without the encumbrance of heavy winter gear, is pure bliss. It’s a liberation, a chance to reconnect with nature and truly savor the fleeting warmth of the season.
Summer is a season I fantasize about all winter long, and when it finally arrives, I make every effort to embrace it fully. This commitment to summer happiness translates into one glorious activity: lots and lots of picnics! There’s an undeniable joy in eating al fresco, feeling the sun on your skin, and listening to the sounds of the natural world around you. It’s an experience that refreshes the soul and creates lasting memories.
Adventures in Picnicking: From Mountains to Meadows
Picnics have been a treasured family tradition in our household since our children were small. We’ve explored countless spots, from sprawling fields beside schools to vibrant city parks, and even charming roadside pull-offs. The truth is, almost anywhere you can lay down a blanket or find a picnic table becomes an ideal spot for an impromptu feast.
I am incredibly fortunate to live in a region renowned for its breathtaking beauty, making it one of the most picturesque places in the world for picnicking. Nestled near the majestic Rocky Mountains by Calgary, the landscape offers endless opportunities for scenic outdoor dining. If you’re ever in the area and seeking an unforgettable picnic backdrop, be sure to check out this fantastic guide: Top 10 places to picnic in the mountains.
Anywhere Can Be Your Perfect Picnic Haven!
Seriously, for us, a picnic is an attitude, not a location. Whether it’s a designated park with picnic tables or just a grassy patch where we can unfurl a blanket, the joy comes from the shared food and company in the fresh air. This adaptability is what makes Caesar Fried Chicken so perfect: it’s designed to be enjoyed wherever your adventures take you.
The Unexpected Origin of a Classic Combination
The idea of combining fried chicken, the quintessential picnic food, with the vibrant flavors of Caesar salad felt like a natural, almost inevitable pairing. Yet, my journey to appreciating a truly great Caesar salad, and subsequently creating this chicken recipe, was not without its bumps. I’ve had my share of mediocre, even “bad,” Caesar salads over the years – those that lacked depth, tang, or that signature umami kick.
Everything changed for me in the early 1990s, when my younger brother took a job at Clancy’s, a now-defunct restaurant in Winnipeg. There, he unearthed an incredible Caesar Salad dressing recipe that transformed my perception of the salad forever. Our family quickly adopted it as our own, and its rich, balanced flavors became a staple. It was only a matter of time before this beloved dressing inspired something new and exciting: the Caesar Fried Chicken you see before you today. This chicken is truly a delicious offspring of that legendary family recipe, carrying forward the same commitment to flavor and quality.
Crafting the Perfect Caesar Fried Chicken
This recipe for pan-fried Caesar chicken goes beyond a simple seasoning. It starts with a generous marinade, allowing the boneless chicken breasts to soak up the zesty, garlicky, and umami-rich flavors of our signature Caesar dressing base. This crucial step ensures that every bite is infused with a deep, authentic Caesar taste, not just on the surface but throughout the tender meat.
After marination, the chicken is coated in a special Caesar-infused breading. This unique coating uses finely crushed Caesar salad croutons, along with flour, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, creating an incredibly crispy and flavorful crust. The result is a beautifully golden-brown fried chicken that boasts a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes, with an irresistible crunch. Its versatility is another key highlight – it’s absolutely delicious straight from the pan, but equally fantastic when served cold, making it truly ideal for any picnic spread.
A Crowd-Pleaser for Every Picnic Goer
Whether you’re planning a romantic outdoor lunch for two, searching for fun and appealing picnic food ideas for kids, or organizing a lively family reunion, this Caesar Fried Chicken is designed to impress. Its unique flavor profile and satisfying texture make it a standout dish that caters to all tastes and ages. It’s truly the ultimate portable chicken, ready to elevate any picnic from ordinary to extraordinary.
Pair Your Caesar Fried Chicken with These Delicious Portable Sides!
No picnic is complete without a selection of fantastic side dishes that complement your main course and travel well. Here are some of our family favorites that are sure to be a hit:
Perogy Potato Salad
This hearty and flavorful potato salad is inspired by traditional pierogies, bringing a unique and comforting twist to a picnic staple. It’s robust enough to hold up well and offers a delightful texture and taste that perfectly balances the rich fried chicken.
Greek Pasta Salad
Light, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Greek pasta salad with feta, cucumbers, and tomatoes is a vibrant addition to any picnic. It’s incredibly refreshing on a warm day and offers a fantastic textural contrast to the crispy chicken.
Don’t Forget Dessert: Sweet Endings for Your Picnic!
A delicious dessert is the perfect way to conclude a memorable picnic meal. These portable sweets are easy to pack and provide a delightful treat for everyone:
This easy No Bake Black Forest Tiramisu is a great picnic dessert!
For a truly indulgent yet effortlessly transportable dessert, this No-Bake Black Forest Tiramisu is a revelation. It’s rich, creamy, and chocolaty, providing a sophisticated end to your picnic without the need for an oven.
Light & Healthy Blueberry Cornbread
If you prefer a lighter, fruitier option, this Light & Healthy Blueberry Cornbread is an excellent choice. It’s subtly sweet, moist, and packed with fresh blueberries, making it a wholesome and satisfying dessert or snack for your outdoor feast.
Fried Caesar Chicken
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Ingredients
- 6 boneless and skinless Chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 ounce lemon juice from concentrate
- 1 ounce worcestershire sauce
- 1 ounce white wine vineagar
- 2 eggs
Coating:
- ¾ cup Caesar croutons crushed to a fine crumb
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese non-fat, preferrably
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
Marinade:
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Whisk together lemon juice, anchovy paste, garlic, worscestershire sauce and wine vinegar. Pour into large ziplock bag and add chicken.
Marinate for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight (in fridge)
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Add olive to frying pan and heat to medium.
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Remove chicken from marinade and set aside set on a plate.
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* Don’t toss the marinade!!! Pour it into a large, shallow bowl and whisk egg into remaining marination mixture.
Ceasar chicken crumb coating:
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To make crouton crumbs: Crush croutons in food processor or by putting in a ziplock bag and rolling over with a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs.
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In a separate bowl mix parmesan cheese, croutons crumbs, flour and garlic powder.
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Thoroughly coat chicken in egg/marination mixture then immediately roll in crouton crumb mixture, turning to cover completely.
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Immediately transfer to hot frying pan and cook uncovered for approximately 5-7 minutes on medium high, until one side is brown and crispy. Turn gently and cook on other side for same time or until browned on outside. Reduce heat to medium low and cook, covered until no longer pink in the middle (about 10 minutes)
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Serve hot or cold!
Notes
** You probably already have your own way of cooking fried chicken and this chicken is no different. My directions are a guideline. As long as you get the outside crispy and the inside is cooked (not pink), then you’re set!
Nutrition
This recipe was also featured on The Country Cook’s Weekend Potluck. Enjoy your unforgettable summer picnics!