Caesar with chicken and croutons

A classic Caesar salad with chicken and croutons is a satisfying and flavorful dish that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Here’s a recipe to make a delicious Caesar salad with tender chicken and crispy croutons:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups (about 150g) romaine lettuce, chopped or torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (80g) croutons (store-bought or homemade)

For the Caesar Dressing:

• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (or 2-3 anchovy fillets, finely chopped, optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken:

   • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are fully cooked and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
   • Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips or cubes.

2. Prepare the Caesar Dressing:

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Croutons (if making homemade):

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Croutons:

   • Cut 2-3 slices of day-old bread into cubes. Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings (like garlic powder or dried herbs).
   • Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring once halfway through.

4. Assemble the Salad:

1. Combine the Lettuce and Dressing:

   • In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing until well coated.

2. Add Chicken and Toppings:

   • Top the dressed lettuce with sliced or cubed chicken, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Serve:

   • Serve the salad immediately, or keep the components separate until ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.

Tips:

• Customize: Add extras like cherry tomatoes, olives, or red onion for more flavor and variety.
• Chicken Variation: You can use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

Enjoy your Caesar salad with chicken and croutons—it's a classic combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser!