Best Chicken Caesar Salad

Introduction

Recipe

If you love fresh, crisp, and refreshing salads, this Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is the ultimate recipe to add to your mealtime rotation. The perfect balance of juicy chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing topped with homemade golden croutons makes it an irresistible meal or side dish. Whether you’re planning a quick weekday lunch or an impressive dinner option, this salad is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. And trust me, once you see how simple it is to make those croutons from scratch, you’ll never go for store-bought again.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Homemade Croutons

4 cups cubed French bread
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad

1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Prep Time

Step-by-Step Prep

To start, you’ll prepare the chicken by seasoning it with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. While the chicken marinates briefly, you can move on to cubing your French bread into bite-sized pieces for the croutons. Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings until smooth.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cooking and Finishing

Cook the chicken by grilling or pan-searing until golden brown and fully cooked through. Let it rest before slicing into strips. For the croutons, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then bake until crisp and golden. Assemble the salad by tossing romaine lettuce and Parmesan together, drizzling with dressing, then topping with chicken slices and freshly made croutons.

Yield

This recipe yields a salad big enough for 4 servings, perfect for smaller gatherings or meal prepping for the week! Enjoy each flavorful, crunchy bite knowing you’ve mastered a classic with your own touch.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces and place into a large bowl.
3. Drizzle the bread pieces with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
4. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, tossing halfway through the cooking process. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and anchovy paste.
2. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
3. Set the dressing aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 6-8 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and about half of the Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
2. Add the sliced chicken over the salad mixture.
3. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top, as desired.
4. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Notes

Note: Bread Type

For the croutons, use sturdy bread like a baguette or sourdough for the best texture. Stale bread works particularly well for crunchy croutons.

Note: Anchovy Paste

If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can use mashed anchovies or skip it entirely, though it does provide the classic Caesar dressing flavor.

Note: Dressing Ahead of Time

The homemade Caesar dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk before using.

Note: Chicken Options

Grilled or baked chicken can be substituted for the stovetop method. You may also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Note: Salad Assembly

Avoid overdressing the salad initially. Start with smaller amounts of dressing and add as needed while tossing to prevent a soggy texture.

Note: Serving Suggestion

Serve the salad immediately after assembling for the freshest taste and best presentation.

Cook Techniques

How to make homemade croutons

Cut your bread into cubes, then toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Bake in a preheated oven until golden and crisp, ensuring even browning by flipping halfway through. Let them cool completely for maximum crunch.

Crisping up the chicken

Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika before cooking. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until nicely browned and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing for the salad.

Making Caesar dressing from scratch

Combine garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, egg yolk, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified into a creamy dressing. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Tossing the salad

Start with fresh, crisp romaine lettuce. Add the freshly grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the dressing over and gently toss to evenly coat the ingredients. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought croutons?

Yes, store-bought croutons are a convenient alternative, but making your own guarantees a fresher, tastier result.

Can I substitute the anchovies in the dressing?

If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can omit them, though they add an authentic, savory depth to the dressing.

What type of bread works best for croutons?

A hearty bread like sourdough or a baguette works best as it holds up well and creates a great texture when baked.

Can the Caesar dressing be made ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are excellent choices, as they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Certainly, you can skip the chicken and anchovies for a vegetarian version while still enjoying an equally delicious salad.

How do I keep lettuce crisp?

Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce with a salad spinner. Store in the fridge wrapped in a clean dish towel or paper towels to retain crispness until ready to use.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is a delightful blend of fresh flavors and satisfying textures. With its perfectly grilled chicken, crispy croutons, and creamy dressing, it’s an irresistible dish that stands well on its own or as part of a larger meal. Simple to make and worth every bite, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

More recipes suggestions and combination

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Add some grilled shrimp and pasta to create a heartier twist on the original Caesar salad.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Switch up the protein and dressing by making a sweet and tangy honey mustard chicken salad.

Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Salad

Pair your Chicken Caesar Salad with a nutritious mix of roasted veggies and protein-packed quinoa.

Garlic Herb Breadsticks

Serve this salad alongside warm, fragrant breadsticks to round out the meal beautifully.

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For a fun and flavorful pairing, add a side of crispy baked sweet potato fries.