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Ultimate Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing and Croutons

Close-up of a fresh caesar salad topped with sliced grilled chicken breast, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Make a restaurant-quality Chicken Caesar Salad at home in under 35 minutes. This recipe features crisp romaine, juicy grilled chicken, creamy homemade Caesar dressing, and crunchy homemade croutons for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup day-old bread, cubed (for croutons)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Dressing:
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • For Assembly:
  • 1/2 cup homemade croutons
  • 1/2 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or cubing.
  3. Make the Homemade Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced anchovy fillets (if using). Whisk constantly as you slowly drizzle in the lemon juice.
  4. Emulsify the Dressing: Continue whisking while slowly streaming in the 1/2 cup olive oil and 1/2 cup vegetable oil until the dressing thickens and becomes creamy. Stir in the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce. Pour about half of the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat every leaf. Add more dressing as needed for your preferred creaminess.
  6. Serve: Divide the dressed lettuce among plates. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • For a quicker dressing, you can substitute 1/2 cup of good quality, store-bought mayonnaise for the egg yolks and oil, then proceed with the remaining dressing ingredients.
  • If you skip the anchovies, add a small dash of salt to boost the savory flavor profile.
  • This salad is excellent for meal prep if you store the dressing, chicken, and croutons separately and combine just before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/caesar-salad-ultimate-chicken-recipe-35min/