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Chicken Caesar Salad

Freshly prepared Chicken Caesar Salad garnished with crispy croutons and shredded Parmesan.
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This Chicken Caesar Salad is a refreshing and satisfying classic featuring crisp iceberg lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crispy beef bacon, crunchy croutons, and a rich, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a recipe that blends simplicity and flavor with ease.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 1 small iceberg lettuce, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups croutons (use your favorite bread)
  • 180g boneless grilled chicken, seasoned
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ slice beef bacon, crispy

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Anchovies, mashed (optional for a traditional kick)
  • 1 tbsp parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Grilled Chicken:

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Pro Tip: For even cooking, pound the chicken to a uniform thickness before grilling.

2. Crisp the Bacon:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook the beef bacon until crispy, about 4-5 minutes on each side.
  3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Common Mistake: Cooking bacon on high heat can cause uneven crispiness—stick to medium heat.

3. Make the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, grated parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and mashed anchovies (if using).
  2. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a creamy emulsion.
  3. Stir in parsley and lemon zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Visual Cue: The dressing should be smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

4. Assemble the Salad:

  1. In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, croutons, grilled chicken slices, and bacon pieces.
  2. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  3. Sprinkle with the grated parmesan cheese as a finishing touch.

Pro Tip: Toss the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • Garnish with additional parsley or a lemon wedge for a bright, fresh presentation.
  • Pair with garlic bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Storage & Reheating:

  • Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad is best eaten the same day; the dressing will keep for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before adding it to the salad.

Tips & Tricks:

  • For homemade croutons, toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
  • Substitute romaine lettuce for iceberg for a more traditional Caesar salad texture.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing for a spicy twist.

This Chicken Caesar Salad is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving a fresh, hearty salad, this recipe delivers every time!

Find it online: https://recipesh.com/chicken-caesar-salad/