Save to Pinterest The Tuesday night I discovered air fryer chicken strips changed everything about my weeknight dinner game. I'd been standing over a hot stove, splattering oil everywhere, when my sister texted about her new air fryer discovery. The next day, I bought one, and these Caesar pitas became the household favorite within twenty minutes of that first experimental cook.
My daughter initially turned up her nose at lettuce inside bread, but one bite converted her completely. Now she requests these for sleepovers, and I love that her friends get excited about eating something with actual vegetables. The way the warm, seasoned chicken contrasts with cool, creamy romaine creates this perfect temperature balance that makes every bite interesting.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips: Cutting against the grain ensures tender pieces that cook evenly and stay juicy inside their crispy coating
- 1 cup buttermilk: The tangy buttermilk naturally tenderizes the chicken while creating the perfect adhesive surface for breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Japanese panko creates an irresistibly light and crunchy texture that regular breadcrumbs simply cannot achieve
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adding Parmesan directly to the coating builds layers of savory flavor throughout every bite
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder disperses evenly in the coating, providing consistent flavor without any burnt bits
- ½ tsp paprika: This adds beautiful golden color and just the right amount of subtle warmth
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the chicken and the coating
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a gentle bite that cuts through the richness
- Cooking spray: A light mist helps the coating achieve golden perfection without excess oil
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped: Romaine holds up beautifully to the warm chicken, maintaining crunch without wilting quickly
- ½ cup Caesar dressing: Creamy homemade or store-bought dressing ties everything together with classic flavors
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese: Additional shaved Parmesan adds salty pockets and creates texture variation
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts of tomato brightness cut through the rich elements, though theyre completely optional
- 4 pita breads, warmed: Soft pillowy pitas create the perfect edible vessel, warming them makes them pliable and cozy
- Extra Caesar dressing: An extra drizzle over the finished assembly ensures every bite is perfectly creamy
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish and balances the richness
Instructions
- Marinate for tenderness:
- Submerge chicken strips in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes, though 2 hours yields the most succulent result
- Prepare the coating:
- Whisk together panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl until well combined
- Coat the chicken:
- Lift each strip from buttermilk, let excess drip off, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure even coverage
- Arrange for air frying:
- Place coated strips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces for proper air circulation
- Air fry to perfection:
- Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through completely
- Prepare the salad base:
- Toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing, shaved Parmesan, and cherry tomatoes until evenly coated
- Warm the pitas:
- Heat pitas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave for 15 seconds, then carefully cut to form pockets
- Assemble the pitas:
- Fill each pita with dressed Caesar salad and 2 to 3 chicken strips, drizzle with extra dressing, and serve immediately
Save to Pinterest These pitas saved me during a particularly chaotic summer when my kitchen was being renovated. We ate them on paper plates in the backyard, and somehow that makeshift dinner became one of our favorite memories. The contrast between warm, crispy chicken and cool, crisp romaine hits different when you are eating under the stars.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I add a handful of homemade croutons inside the pita for extra texture, especially when I have stale bread needing purpose. You can also swap in grilled chicken if you do not have an air fryer, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a 15-minute version.
Dressing Variations
Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing lightens things up beautifully without sacrificing creaminess. I also love making a quick avocado Caesar by blending avocado into traditional dressing for extra richness and a gorgeous green hue.
Serving Suggestions
These pitas are surprisingly filling on their own, but I sometimes serve them with roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple cucumber salad. The key is keeping sides light since these handhelds are already quite substantial.
- Cut the assembled pitas in half to reveal the beautiful layers for serving
- Keep extra lemon wedges on hand for guests who love extra brightness
- Have napkins ready because these can get gloriously messy
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about eating a salad you can hold in your hands, and this version delivers all the comfort of crispy chicken with the freshness of Caesar. These pitas have earned their permanent spot in my weeknight rotation, and I bet they will find a home in yours too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken strips in buttermilk up to 2 hours in advance for extra tenderness. Bread them right before air-frying for the crispiest results, or store breaded strips on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
- → What's the best way to keep pitas warm?
Wrap warmed pitas in a clean kitchen towel or place them in a bread warmer to retain heat. Alternatively, warm them individually in a dry skillet just before assembly, or microwave for 10-15 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel.
- → How do I make this lighter?
Use Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing for fewer calories and less fat. Skip the extra Parmesan shavings or use a lighter hand, and add extra lettuce and tomatoes to increase volume without adding calories.
- → Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes, arrange breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture won't be quite as crispy as air-fried, but it will still be delicious and cooked through.
- → What allergens should I be aware of?
This dish contains wheat, dairy, and eggs. The Caesar dressing may include anchovies. Always check store-bought pita and dressing labels for specific allergen information and potential cross-contamination warnings.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Layer in cucumber slices, bell peppers, red onion, or additional cherry tomatoes inside the pitas. Toss these with the Caesar dressing to keep everything moist and flavorful.