Chicken Caesar Salad

Every home cook should know how to make Caesar salad. Salty, punchy and robust in flavor, Caesar salad is one of those dishes that reliably turns out well. Best of all, it’s super simple to make. When it comes to the dressing, just remember that using the right amounts of each of the ingredients is important for the most balanced flavor possible.

Aside from that, don’t be afraid to play around a little. This recipe calls for grilled chicken, but you could also add grilled tofu or tempeh if you’re vegetarian. Bitter greens, shreds of kale and Little Gem lettuce are all fine substitutes for romaine, if you’d prefer. Making your croutons really takes this salad to the next level.

Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Salad

• Cubed French bread: You could use any loaf of bread here, especially if you try to use it before it goes stale.
• Olive oil: Extra-virgin olive oil or regular olive oil work fine.
• Garlic salt: Garlic salt will add a strong punch of flavor to your croutons.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Learn how to properly grill chicken breast for the tastiest results.
• Canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, so it’s ideal for cooking chicken.
• Mayonnaise: Substitute vegan mayo if you’d like.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan tastes better than pre-grated, though both work.
• Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh, bright taste to this salad.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon acts as a natural emulsifier, which helps give the dressing its creamy texture.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor to this salad.
• Anchovy paste: You can also use anchovy fillets here.
• Garlic: If you prefer a more garlicky salad, feel free to increase the amount of garlic.
• Romaine lettuce: Grill the lettuce or sear it in a stovetop skillet if you want a more caramelized flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Make the croutons

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To make the croutons, preheat the oven to 400°F and place the bread in a large bowl. Combine the remaining ingredients, drizzle them over bread and toss to coat. Then, place the croutons in a single layer in an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan. Bake until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Cook the chicken

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Meanwhile, sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until a thermometer reads 165° (about five to six minutes on each side). Remove to a cutting board and let rest for about ten minutes. Cut into 1-inch chunks.

Step 3: Combine dressing ingredients

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In a large bowl, combine the dressing ingredients. Add the lettuce, chicken, croutons and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat and serve the salad.

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Chicken Caesar Salad Variations

• Use pre-made dressing: There’s no shame in using pre-made dressing if you’re pressed for time. Simply grill your chicken (or make some ahead of time) and mix it with the salad, croutons (use store-bought if desired) and dressing.

How to Store Chicken Caesar Salad

Store your chicken Caesar salad dressing (without mixing in the other ingredients) in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, this dressing will last for a week if stored properly.

Chicken Caesar Salad Tips

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Can I use the dressing for other dishes?

Definitely. This dressing is great on any type of greens, spooned over grilled meat and used as a dipping sauce for raw veggies like carrots and celery.

What should I serve with chicken Caesar salad?

A light, healthy soup would be a nice pairing with this salad.

How do I make this salad more nutritious?

If you want to increase the nutritional value of your chicken Caesar salad, add in more veggies. Thinly sliced celery, chopped tomatoes and grilled or blanched green beans go great in this salad.