The Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is a heartier twist on the traditional Caesar salad, incorporating tender, grilled chicken to add protein and substance to this beloved dish. This recipe marries the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the satisfying addition of chicken, creating a meal that is both comforting and nourishing.
Ingredients and Preparation:
The foundation of the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is crisp, fresh romaine lettuce, known for its sturdy leaves and slightly bitter taste. This green is ideal for holding up the rich Caesar dressing and complements the other ingredients beautifully. The lettuce is washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces.
Grilled chicken breast is the centerpiece of this dish. The chicken is typically marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, then grilled to perfection. Once cooked, it is sliced into strips or cubes. The chicken not only adds a lean protein to the salad but also a warm, savory element that pairs excellently with the cool crispness of the lettuce.
The dressing, a critical component of any Caesar salad, is a creamy emulsion of anchovy paste, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor. Lemon juice is added for acidity, and the mixture is whisked together with olive oil for richness. Finely grated Parmesan cheese is blended into the dressing for a salty, nutty flavor.
Croutons and Parmesan:
Homemade croutons add a necessary crunch to the salad. They are made by cubing day-old bread, tossing it in olive oil and garlic, and baking until golden. These croutons absorb the dressing and provide a contrast in texture to the crisp lettuce and tender chicken.
Shavings or grated Parmesan cheese are sprinkled over the salad for an extra layer of flavor. The sharpness of the Parmesan balances the creamy dressing and complements the grilled chicken.
Assembly and Serving:
To assemble the salad, the romaine lettuce is placed in a large bowl. The grilled chicken is then added, along with the homemade croutons. The Caesar dressing is drizzled over the top, and the salad is tossed to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top, and the salad is seasoned with freshly ground black pepper.
Variations and Tips:
This Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is adaptable to personal preferences. For those who like a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce can be added to the dressing. For a gluten-free version, gluten-free bread can be used for the croutons or omitted altogether.
The Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is a fulfilling and flavorful dish, perfect for a hearty lunch or a light dinner. It combines the beloved elements of a traditional Caesar salad with the satisfying addition of grilled chicken, making it a popular choice for a balanced and delicious meal.
Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients For Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipes
6 cups tightly packed chopped romaine lettuce
1 pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese, such as Cracker Barrel
½ cup seasoned croutons
¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing, such as Kraft
Instructions: Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipes
Step 1: Arrange lettuce on four serving plates. Top with chicken, Parmesan, and croutons, then drizzle with dressing.
Pretty good, love a Caesar salad. Used thighs instead of breasts. Tried Kraft's caesar dressing, not a fan so I will definitely try a different brand or make my own next time.
I have been scared to make Caesar salad because I saw anchovies in so.e recipes, and I didn't think I could pull this off. I loved this simple recipe. It turned out so good that we had no leftovers. Now, I don't have to just order out my Caesar salad, I can make it at home.
This was one of the best caesar salads I've ever had! I would totally make this again!
It was an instant hit!! Everyone in the family loved it!!
Big hit with my hubby. He said it was just as good as the store bought kit.
This was a good salad, we really like the Parmesan shreds, I made it 2 nights in a row, the first night with baked Parmesan chicken nuggets and the second with Buffalo drumsticks, instead of the BBQ chicken because we were having horrible weather. #Ad #AllrecipesAllstarsCA #EndWithAmazing
This is a great way to use up leftover chicken. I placed the lettuce and dressing in a large bowl and tossed all till combined. From there portioned onto plates and placed a sliced grilled Chicken breast on top. Sprinkled with a little more cheese and homemade croutons.Definitely a very simple recipe.. But sometimes you need that inspiration for dinner or lunch! My only suggestion is to use your favourite Caesar dressing whether it be homemade or a not.. As that really will make or break the dish.
We love a good caesar salad and eat it often. The ratio of lettuce to dressing was perfect. I used home made croutons that I seasoned simply with garlic powder, okive oil and parsley before baking. The chicken was seasoned with Italian seasoning to complement the salad. In the future I will add green onions and perhaps a little crumbled bacon. #Ad #EndWithAmazing #AllrecipesAllstarsCA
I don't usually like caesar salad but thoroughly enjoyed this salad. When cooking the chicken, I sprinkled an additional bit of Parmesan cheese. Delicious and filling. #EndWithAmazing #Ad #AllrecipesAllstarsCA
All Nutrifacts of Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipes
✅What are the key ingredients in a Classic Chicken Caesar Salad?
A Classic Chicken Caesar Salad typically includes grilled or roasted chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing made with ingredients like olive oil, egg yolks, lemon juice, anchovies, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination creates a satisfying and flavorful salad.
✅How is the chicken for the Caesar Salad best prepared?
The chicken for a Caesar Salad is best prepared by grilling or roasting. Marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before cooking can add extra flavor. The chicken should be cooked until it's juicy and slightly charred for grilling or tender and flavorful for roasting.
✅What makes the Caesar dressing in this salad special?
The Caesar dressing in this salad is special due to its rich and creamy texture, achieved by emulsifying egg yolks and olive oil. The addition of anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce creates a unique depth of savory, tangy flavors that define the classic Caesar dressing.
✅Can the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad be modified for different diets?
Yes, the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad can be modified for different diets. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and anchovies. For a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free croutons or omit them. Additionally, using a vegan Caesar dressing and a plant-based chicken alternative can make this salad suitable for vegans.
✅What are the nutritional benefits of this salad?
This salad offers nutritional benefits such as high protein from the chicken and cheese, vitamins and fiber from the romaine lettuce, and healthy fats from the olive oil in the dressing. However, the dressing and croutons can be high in calories, so portion control is key for a balanced diet.
✅How can one ensure the salad remains fresh and crisp?
To ensure the salad remains fresh and crisp, dress the salad just before serving. Store the romaine lettuce separately in the fridge, wrapped in paper towels to absorb excess moisture. The chicken can be cooked in advance and added to the salad when ready to serve.
✅What variations can be added to the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad?
Variations to the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad can include adding avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, or bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. Swapping the chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon is another delicious variation. For extra crunch, add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
✅Is the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad suitable for meal prep?
The Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is suitable for meal prep. Prepare the components separately: cook the chicken, make the dressing, and prepare the croutons and lettuce. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
