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
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.