Chicken Caesar Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Caesar Salad combines the freshness of romaine lettuce with the richness of a perfectly seasoned chicken breast, crispy croutons, and a velvety homemade dressing. The mix of spices on the chicken and the crispy texture from the panko breadcrumbs gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the creamy, zesty dressing pulls it all together for an irresistible meal. It’s a great option for anyone craving a healthy yet indulgent salad.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 400g boneless chicken breast, cut into small cubes (14.1 oz)
• 1/4 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1 medium-sized egg
• 100g panko breadcrumbs (around 1.5 cups)
• Oil for cooking the chicken

For the Croutons:

• 100g bread, cut into cubes (3.5 oz or about 2 cups)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2-3 pinches of black pepper
• Salt to your taste
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 20g unsalted butter, melted (1 tbsp + 1 tsp)

For the Dressing:

• 105g mayo (6 tablespoons)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to your taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 30ml lemon juice (2 tbsp)
• 20g freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Salad:

• 1.5 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 10g Parmesan cheese (1/8 cup) + more to sprinkle on top

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Chicken:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the salt, red chili powder, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, white vinegar, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them until evenly coated.
2. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg and dip the cooked chicken cubes into the egg. Then, coat the chicken cubes in the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in the skillet again over medium-high heat and cook the breaded chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy. Set aside to drain on paper towels.

For the Croutons:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed bread with melted butter, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley until evenly coated.
3. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the croutons are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the baking time. Remove from the oven and set aside.

For the Dressing:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, black pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
2. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.

Assembling the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with half of the Caesar dressing.
2. Add the crispy chicken cubes, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Toss again to combine.
3. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and top with additional Parmesan cheese to taste.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra croutons and Parmesan, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Chicken: If you prefer grilled chicken, simply grill the chicken breast and slice it into strips before adding it to the salad.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onion for added freshness and crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the leftover dressing in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For leftovers of the chicken, croutons, and salad, store them separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. The lettuce will wilt if dressed, so keep it separate until ready to serve.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the oven to maintain its crispiness. The croutons can be re-baked for a few minutes to refresh them.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought croutons for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought croutons if you’re short on time. However, homemade croutons add an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Can I add grilled chicken instead of pan-fried chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken is a great alternative for a smoky flavor and leaner option.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Romaine lettuce is classic for a Caesar salad, but you can substitute with other greens like kale or mixed greens for a different texture.

How can I make this salad spicier?

You can add more hot sauce to the chicken or incorporate some chopped jalapeños into the salad for a spicy kick.

Can I make this salad without egg in the chicken coating?

Yes, you can skip the egg and use a gluten-free egg substitute or just coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs for a lighter version.

How do I keep the croutons crispy?

Make sure to bake them until golden brown and store them in an airtight container to keep their crunch.

Can I add more protein to this salad?

Certainly! You can add grilled shrimp, steak strips, or even a poached egg for additional protein.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the dressing?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different flavor.

How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting?

Serve the salad immediately after tossing the lettuce with the dressing. If you’re preparing it in advance, store the lettuce and dressing separately and combine them just before serving.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Salad is a deliciously satisfying dish that brings together the best flavors of the classic Caesar salad with a crispy, seasoned chicken twist. The homemade croutons and creamy, tangy dressing make this salad irresistible and perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is sure to impress!

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