Crispy Chicken Caesar Pita (Print View)

Air-fried crispy chicken strips with Caesar salad and Parmesan in warm pita pockets. A satisfying handheld twist on the classic Caesar.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Crispy Chicken

01 - 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
02 - 1 cup buttermilk
03 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - Cooking spray

→ Caesar Salad

10 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
11 - 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
12 - 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Assembly

15 - 4 pita breads, warmed
16 - Extra Caesar dressing for drizzling
17 - Lemon wedges

# How To Make It:

01 - Immerse chicken strips in buttermilk and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced tenderness.
02 - Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl.
03 - Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip away. Dredge each strip thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
04 - Place coated chicken strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly coat with cooking spray for optimal crispness.
05 - Cook at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through cooking, until golden brown and cooked through.
06 - Toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl.
07 - Heat pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave. Carefully cut each one open to form a pocket.
08 - Distribute Caesar salad evenly among the pita pockets and top each with 2 to 3 crispy chicken strips. Drizzle with additional Caesar dressing and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
09 - Present immediately while the chicken remains warm and crispy.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The air fryer gives you that impossibly crispy chicken without the mess and heaviness of deep frying
  • Everything self-contained in a warm pita means less cleanup and more satisfying bites
  • The contrast between hot, seasoned chicken and cool, creamy romaine hits every craving at once
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket or the chicken will steam instead of crisp
  • Let the chicken rest for a couple minutes after air frying so the coating stays put when you bite into it
  • Warm pitas are infinitely less likely to split open when you're trying to stuff them full
03 -
  • Pat the chicken strips semi-dry before the buttermilk bath for better adhesion
  • Air fryer temperatures vary, so check your chicken at 8 minutes the first time you make this
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