The Ultimate Chicken Caesar Salad: Crispy Croutons, Grilled Chicken, and Creamy Dressing

Chicken Caesar Salad
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Chicken Caesar salad

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of the Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons. This recipe takes the classic Caesar salad to new heights, combining a medley of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With its crispy croutons, tender grilled chicken, and creamy homemade dressing, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser.

To start, prepare the homemade croutons. Toss cubes of ciabatta bread in a mixture of olive oil, chopped parsley, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then bake until golden and crispy. These flavorful croutons add a delightful crunch to the salad, elevating it to the next level.

Next, marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken soak up the flavors for at least 2 hours before grilling. Once cooked through and juicy, let the chicken cool before dicing it into bite-sized pieces. The grilled chicken adds a protein-rich element to the salad, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal.

Now, it’s time to prepare the creamy dressing that brings all the components together. Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, freshly grated Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. This tangy and creamy dressing coats every leaf of the salad, infusing it with rich and luscious flavors.

Finally, assemble the salad by placing roughly chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Top it with the grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat each ingredient. The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmony that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Originating from the classic Caesar salad, this recipe has been given a delicious twist with homemade croutons and grilled chicken. It offers a balanced and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even as a light supper. Serve it as a standalone dish or pair it with a side of warm garlic bread or a refreshing tomato and basil bruschetta. The Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is a versatile and delightful recipe that will impress your family and guests.

What to Eat with This Dish

This Chicken Caesar Salad can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with complementary dishes. It pairs well with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a side of grilled vegetables. For a heartier option, you can serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or a light pasta dish. Add some refreshing iced tea or a glass of white wine to complete the meal.

Useful Tools
  • Grill: To cook the chicken to perfection, a grill is recommended. It helps in achieving a smoky flavor and a beautifully charred exterior.
  • Baking Sheet: You’ll need a baking sheet to toast the bread cubes and create the crispy homemade croutons.
  • Whisk: A whisk is essential for emulsifying the dressing and ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
Origin of the Recipe

The Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic dish that originated in Tijuana, Mexico. It was created by an Italian immigrant, Caesar Cardini, in the 1920s. This recipe is a modern adaptation that combines traditional elements with a few personal twists, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying salad that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The Ultimate Chicken Caesar Salad: Crispy Croutons, Grilled Chicken, and Creamy Dressing

Chicken Caesar salad
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North America
Prep Time 140 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 2 hrs 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 4 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingridients

For the Croutons

For the Chicken

For the Dressing

For the Salad

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped parsley, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Spread the ciabatta bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the bread cubes and gently toss to combine. Bake in the preheated oven for about 13-15 minutes, or until the croutons are crisp and golden. Set aside.

  4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.

  5. Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl. Pour the olive oil mixture over the chicken and marinate for at least 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade.

  6. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until it is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 4-5 minutes per side. Let the chicken cool before dicing it into bite-size pieces.

  7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, freshly grated Parmesan, grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

  8. In a large bowl, assemble the salad by placing the chopped romaine. Top with the grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

  9. Serve the Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons immediately and enjoy!

Note

Note: This recipe can be easily customized by adding additional toppings such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or bacon bits. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Calories: The calorie count for this recipe will vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. It is recommended to calculate the calorie content based on the actual ingredients and serving sizes used in your preparation.

Keywords: Chicken Caesar salad, homemade croutons, grilled chicken, creamy dressing, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, tangy flavors, satisfying meal, classic recipe, versatile.