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chicken ceasar salad

Perfect Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons Delight

This Chicken Caesar Salad features homemade croutons and marinated chicken, offering a guilt-free meal packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Course salads
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • - Grill
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • - Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

For the Croutons

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste kosher salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 cups ciabatta bread cubes

For the Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste kosher salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • to taste kosher salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

  • 1 head romaine chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Whisk together olive oil, parsley, and garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Pour the olive oil mixture over the bread, gently tossing to combine. Bake until crisp and golden, about 13-15 minutes; set aside.
  • Combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in another small bowl.
  • Marinate the chicken in a Ziploc bag or bowl with the olive oil mixture for at least 2 hours.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow it to cool before dicing.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Assemble the salad by placing romaine in a bowl. Top with grilled chicken and croutons, drizzle with dressing, and toss to combine. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan.

Notes

Optional: Add a sprinkle of extra parsley for garnish.
Keyword Caesar dressing, chicken caesar salad, fresh ingredients, grilled chicken, healthy salad, homemade croutons