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Crispy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe Easy Homemade with Parmesan Croutons

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A quick and easy grilled chicken Caesar salad featuring juicy, crispy chicken, crunchy homemade Parmesan croutons, and a zesty Caesar dressing. Perfect for a satisfying and flavorful meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 4 cups cubed day-old French bread or sourdough (about 120 g)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 cups chopped Romaine lettuce (about 180 g)
  • 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Extra Parmesan shavings for garnish (optional)
  • For Homemade Caesar Dressing (optional):
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, up to 1 hour.
  2. Prepare the Parmesan Croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss cubed bread with melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, and salt on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Heat grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is charred. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. Prepare the Dressing (if homemade): Whisk mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Toss chopped Romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Top with sliced grilled chicken, Parmesan croutons, extra Parmesan shavings, and black pepper.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Watch croutons closely to avoid burning; stir halfway through baking. Use day-old bread for best croutons. Dressing can be made ahead and stored separately to prevent soggy salad. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check dressing labels. Vegetarian option: substitute grilled chicken with crispy tofu or roasted chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken Caesar salad, Parmesan croutons, easy Caesar salad, homemade Caesar dressing, quick chicken salad, healthy lunch, dinner salad

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/crispy-grilled-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-with-parmesan-croutons/