Crispy Chicken Salad Casserole

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
• In three separate shallow bowls, prepare your breading station:
  • Bowl 1: Add the flour.
  • Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs until well beaten.
  • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano.

2. Bread the Chicken:

• Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Coat the chicken with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Bake the Chicken:

• Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then cut it into bite-sized strips or cubes.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

• In a large baking dish, arrange the crispy chicken pieces in an even layer.
• Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the chicken.
• Return the dish to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

5. Prepare the Salad:

• In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and croutons.

6. Serve:

• To serve, scoop out a portion of the Crispy Chicken Salad Casserole onto a plate.
• Top with the prepared salad mixture.
• Drizzle with your favorite dressing, such as ranch.
• Enjoy your delicious Crispy Chicken Salad Casserole, which combines the crunch of crispy chicken with the freshness of a salad for a satisfying meal!

This casserole offers a unique twist on the classic chicken salad, making it a delightful and filling option for lunch or dinner. The crispy chicken adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the traditional salad ingredients.