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Quick Crisp Chicken Caesar Salad

Quick Crisp Chicken Caesar Salad - featured image
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A fast, fresh, and satisfying chicken Caesar salad ready in just 15 minutes, featuring juicy, crisp chicken, crunchy romaine, homemade dressing, and toasted croutons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced or pressed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Water to thin dressing (optional)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste for traditional Caesar flavor

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice chicken breasts into 1/2 inch strips and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; rub seasoning evenly over chicken slices.
  3. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil; wait until oil shimmers.
  4. Cook chicken slices in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add torn bread pieces with a drizzle of olive oil; toss frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden and crunchy. Set aside.
  6. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add water a teaspoon at a time if dressing is too thick.
  7. Toss chopped romaine with half the dressing to coat evenly.
  8. Add cooked chicken strips, croutons, and Parmesan cheese to the salad.
  9. Drizzle remaining dressing on top if desired and gently toss to combine.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  11. Serve immediately while chicken is warm and lettuce is crisp.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure chicken crisps properly. Pat chicken dry before seasoning. Let chicken rest after cooking to retain juices. Toss lettuce with dressing just before serving to keep it crisp. For gluten-free, skip croutons or use gluten-free alternatives. Dressing can be thinned with water to desired consistency. Optional anchovy paste adds traditional Caesar flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken caesar salad, quick lunch, easy salad recipe, 15-minute meal, crisp chicken, homemade dressing, healthy salad

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/quick-crisp-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-15-minute-easy-lunch-ideas/