Best Chicken Caesar Salad (Printable Version)
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 -
1 lb chicken breast
02 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 -
1 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
→ Croutons
07 -
3-4 thick slices stale/crusty sourdough, cubed (about 3 cups)
08 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
3 tablespoons butter
10 -
Pinch of salt
→ Dressing
11 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
3/4 cup good quality mayonnaise
13 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 -
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
15 -
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
16 -
2 tablespoons lemon juice
17 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
18 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
19 -
1/4 teaspoon pepper
20 -
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
→ Salad
21 -
1 head romaine, sliced
22 -
1/2 cup julienned carrots
23 -
1 small Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
24 -
1/3 cup candied pecans or roasted cashews
25 -
1-2 oz Parmesan, shaved or grated
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thin cutlets. Pat dry, drizzle with olive oil, and season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook using one of the following methods: Grill on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For the oven method, preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chicken in foil with lemon slices and olive oil, seal, and bake for 30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
02 -
Place sourdough cubes on a lined baking tray. Melt butter with minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-40 seconds. Drizzle the garlic butter over the bread cubes, toss to coat, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool to finish crisping.
03 -
Combine minced garlic, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
04 -
In a large bowl, toss sliced romaine lettuce with julienned carrots and a few spoonfuls of dressing. Top with sliced chicken, croutons, pecans, shaved Parmesan, and fresh cracked black pepper. Drizzle with additional dressing and serve.