Chicken Caesar Salad



Chicken Caesar Salad: A Classic Recipe with Full Ingredients and Instructions

Introduction

Chicken Caesar salad is a timeless favorite that combines the freshness of crisp romaine lettuce, the savory flavors of grilled chicken, and the creamy tanginess of Caesar dressing. This article presents a classic recipe for Chicken Caesar salad, providing a list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to guide you in creating this delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup of croutons
  • 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.

  2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them on the grill and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.

  3. In the meantime, prepare the Caesar dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped anchovies (if using), Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

  4. In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.

  5. Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin strips.

  6. Add the sliced chicken to the salad bowl.

  7. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more according to your preference. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

  8. Serve the Chicken Caesar salad immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired.

Tips and Variations

  • For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Caesar dressing for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling.
  • Feel free to customize your salad by adding other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or sliced black olives.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and mayonnaise for the dressing.
  • To make homemade croutons, simply cut stale bread into cubes, toss with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs, then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar salad is a classic dish that offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. By following this recipe, you can create a refreshing and satisfying salad that is perfect for any meal. Whether you're enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as a side dish at a dinner party, the Chicken Caesar salad is sure to impress with its delicious taste and timeless appeal.


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