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Crispy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

crispy grilled chicken Caesar salad - featured image
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A quick and easy salad featuring crispy grilled chicken, fresh romaine lettuce, and a homemade Caesar dressing with a smoky, tangy twist. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 large head of fresh romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Handful of homemade or store-bought croutons (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 garlic clove, minced finely
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in well. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and minced garlic until smooth. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the hot surface and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once. Use tongs to avoid piercing the meat. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (internal temp should read 165°F / 74°C) or cut into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains.
  4. Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  5. While the chicken rests, tear the romaine into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  7. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the romaine and toss gently to coat all leaves evenly. Add sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and scatter croutons if using.
  8. Serve immediately to keep the romaine crisp and the chicken warm.

Notes

For lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. Use gluten-free croutons or omit for gluten-free diet. Resting the chicken after grilling locks in juices. Add anchovy paste for authentic umami flavor but can be reduced or omitted if preferred. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising romaine leaves.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Caesar salad, romaine lettuce, crispy chicken, homemade dressing, quick salad, healthy meal

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/crispy-grilled-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-perfect-for-fresh-romaine-lovers/