When you’re craving something hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, these Vegan Crispy “Chicken” Caesar Sandwiches will hit the spot. Think crispy, savory chickpea “chicken,” drizzled with tangy vegan Caesar dressing, nestled in a soft bun, and topped with fresh romaine lettuce—this sandwich is the ultimate comfort food but in a plant-based version.
I first tried this recipe when I was looking for something that captured the essence of a classic Caesar salad but with a twist. The crispy chickpea “chicken” is surprisingly satisfying, with its golden, crunchy exterior and tender interior, and it pairs perfectly with the zesty, creamy Caesar dressing. Paired with a fluffy bun and a handful of crisp lettuce, it’s a sandwich you won’t forget.
Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack to impress guests, this sandwich is sure to become a staple in your plant-based kitchen.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- Crispy & Satisfying: The chickpea “chicken” is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—just like the real thing!
- Rich Caesar Flavor: Vegan mayo, mustard, and capers combine to give the dressing the perfect tangy kick.
- Customizable: Use any bun you like, or add extra toppings for a personalized twist.
- Plant-Based Perfection: Hearty, crispy, and completely vegan.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Vegan Crispy “Chicken” Caesar Sandwiches Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Potato masher or fork
- Spoon for mixing
- Bowl for bread crumbs
- Baking sheet
- Non-stick spray
- Blender for dressing
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- Crispy Chickpea “Chicken”
- 15 oz. Can Chickpeas garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
- 1/3 C. Vegetable broth
- 2 Tbsp. Soy sauce
- 1/2 C. Vital wheat gluten
- 1/3 C. Panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp. Poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- Pinch of Black pepper
- 1 C. Bread crumbs for coating the outside
- Vegan Caesar Dressing
- 1/4 C. Vegan mayo
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. Capers
- 1 Tbsp. Nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1 Lemon
- 1/4 tsp. Garlic powder
- Pinch of Salt and pepper
- For the Sandwiches
- Buns
- Romaine lettuce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain the chickpeas, then mash them in a large mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher.
- Add olive oil, vegetable broth, soy sauce, vital wheat gluten, panko, and seasonings to the mashed chickpeas. Mix well and knead for about 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, place 1 cup of bread crumbs for coating. Divide the chickpea mixture into 3-4 portions, shape into balls, then flatten into patties. Coat each patty in bread crumbs.
- Place the patties on a non-stick sprayed baking sheet and spray the tops with more non-stick spray. Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and brown.
- While baking, prepare the Caesar dressing by blending all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the sandwiches by spreading dressing on the buns, adding a chickpea patty, lettuce, and more dressing on top. Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fibre | 7g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Sugar | 4g |
Tips for Crispy Chickpea “Chicken” Sandwiches!
- Chickpea Prep: When mashing the chickpeas, leave some chunks for texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a food processor to blend them.
- Knead the Mixture Well: Kneading the chickpea mixture for a couple of minutes ensures the vital wheat gluten develops, giving the patties a chewy, “meaty” texture.
- Coating: For extra crunch, try using panko bread crumbs both inside the mixture and as a coating. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Baking Tips: Flip the patties halfway through to ensure even crispiness. If they’re not as golden as you’d like, give them an extra few minutes in the oven.
- Vegan Caesar Dressing: Blend the dressing ingredients until completely smooth. If it’s too thick, add a small splash of water or more lemon juice to adjust the consistency.
- Sandwich Assembly: Toasting the buns slightly before assembling will add a crisp texture and prevent them from getting soggy.
- Customizable: You can also add some sliced avocado or tomatoes to the sandwiches for extra flavor and creaminess.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
