Chicken Caesar Salad (Print Version)
Hearty, classic preparation featuring grilled chicken, crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon kosher salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Salad Components
05 - 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
07 - 1 cup croutons
08 - ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
→ Caesar Dressing
09 - ½ cup mayonnaise
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
14 - 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
# How to Cook:
01 - Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature. Lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Grill each side for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the internal juices run clear. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, finely minced anchovy fillets (or anchovy paste), minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk all ingredients until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - In a large salad bowl, combine the freshly chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes (if using), and the croutons.
04 - Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently to ensure all components are evenly coated. Arrange the thinly sliced grilled chicken and shaved Parmesan cheese on top of the dressed salad. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's a fantastic way to feel like a gourmet chef without spending all day in the kitchen.
- The homemade dressing is an absolute game&changer; you'll never go back to bottled once you try this.
02 -
- Overcooking the chicken is a cardinal sin; it becomes dry and loses its appeal, so watch it closely.
- Always taste your dressing *before* tossing it with the salad; adjusting seasonings here makes all the difference.
03 -
- For an extra depth of flavor, lightly toast your croutons in a pan with a little garlic butter before adding them to the salad.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing, chicken, and salad components separate and only assemble right before serving to maintain crispness.