Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe: A Classic Done Right
The Caesar salad. A culinary icon, a timeless classic, and a surprisingly versatile dish. This recipe focuses on creating a delicious and authentic Chicken Caesar Salad, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a more sophisticated gathering. We'll cover everything from selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering that creamy, garlicky dressing.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
For the Salad:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup croutons (homemade are best, recipe below!)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional, but adds a delicious umami depth)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: Preparing the Perfect Chicken Caesar Salad
Cooking the Chicken:
- Season generously: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any other preferred herbs (paprika, garlic powder work well).
- Pan-sear or bake: You can pan-seared the chicken in olive oil until cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side), or bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Slice and set aside: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Making the Homemade Croutons:
- Cube stale bread: Cut stale bread (a baguette or sourdough works well) into roughly ½-inch cubes.
- Toss with olive oil and seasoning: Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like (garlic powder, Italian seasoning are great options).
- Bake until golden brown: Spread the croutons on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Whipping Up the Caesar Dressing:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using).
- Season to taste: Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the lemon juice for desired tartness.
Assembling Your Masterpiece:
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons.
- Add the chicken: Gently fold in the sliced chicken.
- Dress it up: Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Tips for an Extra Special Caesar Salad:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your salad will taste!
- Don't overdress: Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with different additions, such as bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, or different types of cheese.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Caesar Salad! It's a dish that's both satisfying and elegant, perfect for any occasion. Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us – we'd love to see your beautiful Caesar salads!
