Slaw often gets a bad rap, but I’m here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be just the traditional cabbage, mayo, and vinegar combo. While that classic slaw is loved by some and disliked by others, there’s so much room to experiment with what slaw can be. Who says slaw always has to include mayo? The beauty of slaw is that it can be creamy, tangy, and refreshing—without being limited to one standard recipe.
One of my favorite ways to make slaw is with a Caesar dressing and shredded cabbage. Caesar dressing provides the creaminess and tang that you expect in a traditional slaw, while cabbage delivers the satisfying crunch you love in a classic Caesar salad. It’s a perfect pairing! Honestly, I believe cabbage is a superior choice for a Caesar salad base over romaine—it’s sturdier, more flavorful, and holds up beautifully in this slaw.
Why Cabbage is the Perfect Winter Produce
Cabbage is one of the most versatile and hearty winter vegetables. While many leafy greens like spinach or lettuce tend to fade as the cold weather sets in, cabbage thrives in the chill of winter. It’s a cool-weather vegetable that gets sweeter after a frost, making it the perfect addition to your winter meals. Not only is cabbage packed with nutrients like vitamin C and fiber, but it’s also incredibly sturdy, which means it can hold up in salads and slaws without wilting. This makes it an ideal choice for making slaw in the winter months when you want something fresh and crunchy, but still hearty enough to pair with a warm, crispy chicken cutlet.
The Perfect Pairing
And what could be better than pairing this refreshing Caesar slaw with a crispy, Parmesan-crusted chicken cutlet? It’s the ultimate “girl dinner,” combining the perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and flavor that feels indulgent but light. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this dish is sure to impress!
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Serves
4
Ingredients
For the Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Cutlets:
- 1 pound chicken thighs (boneless and skinless)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (panko works well for extra crunch)
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3-4 tbsp olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil)
For the Caesar Slaw:
- 1/2 small head green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 small head purple cabbage, finely shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Thrive Caesar dressing (or your favorite Caesar dressing)
Steps
1
Prepare the Chicken Cutlets. Thinly slice the chicken thighs lengthwise to create cutlets (2-3 slices per chicken thigh). Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Prepare the Breading Station. Line a baking sheet with paper towels to drain the fried chicken. In a shallow plate, beat the eggs. In another shallow plate, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and finely grated Parmesan cheese.
3
Fry the Chicken Cutlets. Heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot skillet. Cook in batches (2-3 pieces at a time) for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet to drain excess oil.
4
Make the Caesar Slaw. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green and purple cabbage. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the cabbage and toss to coat evenly. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to distribute.
5
Assemble the Dish. Serve the Caesar slaw in individual bowls or on a platter, topped with the crispy Parmesan chicken cutlets.
Tips for Success:
- Make it Your Own: You can experiment with different slaw ingredients. Try adding sliced radishes, shredded carrots, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
- Meal Prep: The Caesar slaw can be made a few hours ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge, so it’s great for lunch the next day too.
- Extra Crispy Chicken: For an extra crispy coating, double-dip the chicken by first dipping it in the egg, then breadcrumbs, and repeating the process for an extra crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This crispy Parmesan chicken cutlet with Caesar slaw is a fantastic weeknight dinner or an easy meal for entertaining. The slaw is light and refreshing, while the chicken is crispy and satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures—just the right amount of indulgence without feeling heavy. Whether you’re serving it for a solo dinner or sharing with friends, it’s sure to be a hit.
