Chicken Caesar Salad

This Chicken Caesar Salad is a delicious twist on the classic, combining juicy grilled chicken with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons. It’s the perfect hearty salad for lunch or a light dinner, loaded with protein and flavor.

Author: Premachi Recipe

Prep Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 10 mins

Servings: 4

Recipe Tools You Use

1. a big pot
2. Sharp knife
3. bowl
4. skillet
5. kitchen tongs

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe Video:

Credit: The Scran Line Everyday

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
3. 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
4. 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
5. Olive oil, for grilling
6. Salt and pepper, to taste
7. Fresh ground black pepper, for garnish

For the Dressing:

1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional but authentic)
6. 1/4 cup olive oil
7. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8. Salt and pepper, to taste
9. 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra flavor)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and drizzle with a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown. Remove from the heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. If using anchovies, mince them finely and stir them in. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth, creamy dressing. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce if you like. Set the dressing aside.

Step 3: Prep the Lettuce

Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly, then chop or tear it into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl.

Step 4: Add the Croutons

Toss the croutons in with the lettuce. If you prefer homemade croutons, simply toss cubed bread with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and bake at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Add the sliced grilled chicken to the lettuce and croutons. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and croutons in advance and store them separately. Grill the chicken fresh and toss everything together just before serving.
• Substitute: If you’re not into anchovies, you can leave them out or replace them with a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.
• Extra Flavor: For more depth, marinate the chicken with a bit of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before grilling.
• Lighter Version: If you want a lighter option, swap out some or all of the mayonnaise in the dressing for Greek yogurt.

This Chicken Caesar Salad is a satisfying, protein-packed salad that works perfectly as a main course. Crisp, flavorful, and refreshing, it’s a go-to meal for any day of the week.

Nutrition Information (4 servings):

Health Benefits of Chicken Caesar Salad

1. High in Protein: Grilled chicken provides lean protein, helping to build and repair muscle tissue.
2. Bone Health: Parmesan cheese is rich in calcium, supporting strong bones and teeth.
3. Heart Health: Olive oil in the dressing contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
4. Boosts Immunity: Garlic in the dressing offers immune-boosting compounds that help fight infections.
5. Low in Sugar: This salad is naturally low in sugar, making it suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
6. Vitamin K: Romaine lettuce is high in Vitamin K, important for blood clotting and bone health.
7. Healthy Skin: Olive oil and lemon juice provide antioxidants that help maintain healthy skin.
8. Supports Digestion: Lemon juice and Dijon mustard stimulate digestion and promote gut health.
9. Rich in Omega-3: Anchovies (if used) are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain and heart health.
10. Aids in Weight Management: High protein and fiber content help keep you full longer, which may support weight management.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Keep the Caesar dressing in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir or shake well before using.
• Chicken: Refrigerate leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat & Reuse Instructions

• Reheating Chicken: To reheat chicken, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain juiciness.

Reuse Ideas:

• Chicken Caesar Wrap: Roll the leftover salad (minus croutons) into a tortilla for a tasty wrap.
• Add More Veggies: Mix in additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for a fresh twist.
• Caesar Pasta Salad: Toss leftover chicken and dressing with cooked pasta for a new meal idea.
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Sandwich: Use the leftover chicken and dressing to make a delicious Caesar-style sandwich with toasted bread or a baguette.

This Chicken Caesar Salad is not only flavorful and satisfying but also versatile for leftovers.

FAQ’s

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