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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly made Chicken Caesar Salad it’s fresh, crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. If you crave a hearty yet light meal that feels both gourmet and comforting, this recipe is your best friend. Imagine the juiciness of grilled chicken layered over crisp romaine, tossed with crunchy homemade croutons and slathered in a luscious Caesar dressing pure bliss on a plate that you can easily make at home.
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Delicious Chicken Caesar Salad Ideas for Meal Prep
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A classic Chicken Caesar Salad with homemade croutons, grilled chicken, and creamy dressing.
Ingredients
1 medium ciabatta loaf (or 4 thick slices crusty white bread)
3 tbsp olive oil
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
1 large cos or romaine lettuce (leaves separated)
1 garlic clove
2 anchovies from a tin
Medium block parmesan or Grano Padano cheese for grating and shaving
5 tbsp Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Tear ciabatta into big ragged croutons or slice. Spread on baking tray, drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil; season and bake 8-10 mins, turning for even browning.
2. Rub chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil and season. Heat pan and cook chicken 4 mins each side until no pink remains.
3. Crush garlic and mash anchovies. Grate parmesan and mix with garlic, anchovies, mayonnaise, and vinegar; season and adjust consistency with water.
4. Tear lettuce into large pieces. Combine half lettuce, half chicken strips, and croutons with most dressing and toss. Arrange remaining chicken and croutons on top; drizzle with remaining dressing and sprinkle parmesan.
Notes
Use high-quality olive oil.
Rest chicken after cooking.
Adjust anchovy amount to taste.
Serve immediately for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Salad
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ciabatta loaf (or crusty white) | 1 medium (or 4 thick slices) |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Skinless, boneless chicken breasts | 2 |
| Large cos or romaine lettuce | 1 (leaves separated) |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Anchovies (from a tin) | 2 |
| Parmesan or Grano Padano | Medium block (for grating) |
| Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise | 5 tbsp |
| White wine vinegar | 1 tbsp |
Preparing the Croutons and Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/Gas 6.
- Tear the ciabatta into big croutons or slice if preferred, spread on a baking tray, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, and season with salt.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crisp.
- Meanwhile, rub the chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a pan over medium, sear the chicken for 4 minutes each side until no pink remains and juices run clear.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing into bite-sized strips.
Making the Classic Caesar Dressing
- Crush garlic with a garlic crusher and mash anchovies with a fork in a bowl.
- Grate a handful of parmesan and combine with garlic, anchovies, mayonnaise, and white wine vinegar.
- Mix well, seasoning to taste. Adjust the consistency with a few teaspoons of water until creamy like yogurt.
Assembling Your Chicken Caesar Salad
- Tear romaine lettuce into large pieces and place in a big bowl.
- Add half the sliced chicken and half the croutons.
- Pour over most of the dressing and toss gently with your hands to coat evenly.
- Arrange the remaining chicken and croutons on top, drizzle with extra dressing.
- Finish with shaved parmesan for that irresistible salty, nutty flourish.
- Serve immediately for the freshest crunch.
Why This Chicken Caesar Salad Works
This salad balances textures and flavors beautifully. The crunch of fresh romaine and homemade croutons contrasts with tender grilled chicken, while the umami from anchovies and parmesan in the creamy dressing ties everything together. Using extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness without overpowering the delicate taste.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Use high-quality olive oil for drizzling and cooking; it really makes a difference.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken, it keeps it juicy and tender.
- Adjust the anchovies based on your taste preference, they add depth but don’t overwhelm.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on your mood.
FAQ on Chicken Caesar Salad
Q: Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
A: Yes, but making your own dressing brings freshness and control over flavors that store-bought can’t match.
Q: What’s the best bread for croutons?
A: Ciabatta or any crusty white bread works best for sturdy, crunchy croutons.
Q: Can I add other toppings?
A: Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or crispy bacon bits can be great additions.
Conclusion
You now have a foolproof Chicken Caesar Salad recipe that feels like a restaurant dish but is easy enough for any day of the week. By grilling the chicken right, crafting a classic dressing, and baking crispy croutons, you transform simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Dive in and enjoy every flavorful, crunchy forkful your taste buds will thank you.