Today, I’m excited to share a delightful recipe for Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad. This dish is the perfect balance of flavors, offering crispy, golden chicken paired with crunchy romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and savory parmesan cheese.
It’s a perfect meal for lunch or dinner, and I’m sure it will become a new favorite at your table!
How To Make EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad?
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Course: Salad, Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
For The Homemade Caesar Dressing (Optional):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Base
While the chicken is cooking, wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Place it in a large salad bowl. If you’re using homemade croutons, now is a great time to toast them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until they’re golden and crunchy.
Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing (if using homemade)
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese.
Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to suit your taste preferences.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the chopped lettuce and toss to coat evenly. Add in the crispy chicken strips, parmesan cheese, and croutons. Give everything another gentle toss to mix.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 650mg
Potassium: 600mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
✔️ A side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for a complete meal.
✔️ A refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for extra freshness and crunch.
✔️ A chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the flavors of this salad.
Tips and Variations
Tip 1: Make the Chicken Extra Crispy
For an even crunchier chicken, coat the chicken breasts in panko breadcrumbs before cooking. This adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to your dish.
Tip 2: Add More Veggies
Feel free to add additional veggies like cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, or avocado for more freshness and variety.
Tip 3: Swap the Dressing
If you’re watching your calorie intake or prefer a lighter option, try using a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing or a vinaigrette instead of the traditional creamy dressing.
Tip 4: Meal Prep
This salad can be made in advance, but I recommend keeping the dressing and croutons separate until just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
Health Benefits of Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
1. High in Protein
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. With about 35 grams of protein per serving, this salad provides a substantial protein boost.
2. Rich in Healthy Fats
Olive oil and parmesan cheese add healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health and inflammation reduction.
3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The romaine lettuce and other veggies in this salad are rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for skin health, immune function, and cell repair.
4. Supports Digestion
The fiber in the lettuce and croutons aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut, promoting regular bowel movements.
Notes
Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. The salad will stay fresh for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
Gluten-Free: To make this salad gluten-free, use gluten-free croutons or skip the croutons entirely and opt for some roasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.
FAQ
Can I Use Grilled Chicken Instead Of Pan-Fried?
Yes, grilled chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the Caesar dressing.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, skip the parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free dressing instead. There are many plant-based Caesar dressings available in stores.
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken For This Salad?
Yes! You can use leftover cooked chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
Conclusion
This Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines the perfect mix of textures and tastes.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as part of a hearty dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
I hope you enjoy making and devouring this crispy, creamy, and savory salad.
EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups fresh romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons store-bought or homemade
For The Homemade Caesar Dressing (Optional):
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Prepare the Salad Base
- While the chicken is cooking, wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Place it in a large salad bowl. If you’re using homemade croutons, now is a great time to toast them in a pan with a little butter or olive oil until they’re golden and crunchy.
Make the Caesar Dressing (if using homemade)
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to suit your taste preferences.
Assemble the Salad
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the chopped lettuce and toss to coat evenly. Add in the crispy chicken strips, parmesan cheese, and croutons. Give everything another gentle toss to mix.
Notes
- EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad - January 12, 2025
- Healthy BLT Chicken Salad - January 10, 2025
- Quick and Easy Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad - January 8, 2025