Chicken Caesar Salad

French Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe with Romaine Lettuce and Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic and popular dish that combines tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

History

The Caesar Salad is said to have been created by Italian chef Caesar Cardini in Tijuana, Mexico in the 1920s. Originally made with romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce, the salad was meant to be a simple and delicious dish. Over the years, variations of the Caesar Salad have been created, including the addition of grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal.

Ingredients

4 french bread
vegetable cooking spray
0.5 tbsp garlic powder
2 lb (907 g) boneless chicken breast
0.33 cup fresh lemon juice
0.25 cup red wine vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp anchovy paste
0.25 tbsp ground pepper
5 garlic
9 cup romaine lettuce
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Trim the crusts off the bread and discard.
Cut the bread into 1 inch cubes.
Place the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Coat the cubes with cooking spray and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toss well.
Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside.
Coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat until hot.
Add the chicken halves and sauté for 6 minutes on each side or until well done.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool.
Cut the chicken across the grain into thin slices and set aside.
Combine lemon juice and the next 5 ingredients in the container of an electric blender.
Cover and process until smooth.
Add 0.25 cup of the lemon juice mixture to the chicken and toss gently to coat.
In a large salad bowl, place the lettuce.
Drizzle the remaining lemon juice mixture over the lettuce and toss well.
Add the chicken mixture and cheese, and toss gently to coat.
Serve with croutons.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Use different types of lettuce, such as kale or spinach, for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the chicken until it is well done to ensure it is safe to eat.

- Toss the chicken in the lemon juice mixture while it is still warm to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use fresh romaine lettuce for the best texture and flavor in the salad.

- Toasting the croutons in the oven adds a delicious crunch to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Chicken Caesar Salad with a side of garlic bread or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the chicken in a skillet until well done.

- Blend the Caesar dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth.

- Toss the chicken in the lemon juice mixture to coat evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought croutons instead of making your own.

- Substitute the anchovy paste with Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor.

- Use a different type of cheese, such as feta or blue cheese, for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the croutons and chicken ahead of time and store in an airtight container until ready to assemble the salad.

- Make the Caesar dressing in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter and top with the chicken slices and croutons. - Garnish with fresh parsley or additional Parmesan cheese for a decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Chicken Caesar Salad with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

- Pair with a side of roasted vegetables or a fruit salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The Chicken Caesar Salad contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

The Chicken Caesar Salad contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The Chicken Caesar Salad contains approximately 12 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

The Chicken Caesar Salad contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

The Chicken Caesar Salad is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the bread and dairy from the Parmesan cheese.

Summary

The Chicken Caesar Salad is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Chicken Caesar Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful dressing, tender chicken, and crunchy croutons, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this classic recipe as a light lunch or a hearty dinner option.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Chicken Caesar Salad. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my friend Margaret who had just returned from a trip to Italy. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through her family for generations.

Margaret flipped through the pages until she landed on a recipe that caught her eye. It was for a Chicken Caesar Salad, a dish she had tried during her travels and absolutely adored. She excitedly pointed to the ingredients and instructions, explaining how simple and delicious it was to make.

I watched intently as Margaret walked me through the steps of preparing the salad. She showed me how to marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling it to perfection. She then tossed fresh romaine lettuce with homemade Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, topping it all off with slices of the juicy, grilled chicken.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I couldn't believe how flavorful and satisfying the Chicken Caesar Salad was. The combination of the tangy dressing, crunchy croutons, and tender chicken was a true culinary delight. From that moment on, I knew I had to learn how to make this recipe myself.

Over the years, I honed my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the Chicken Caesar Salad recipe. I added my own twist by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and even avocado slices for an extra burst of flavor. Each time I made the salad, I would share it with friends and family, who always raved about how delicious it was.

One day, while visiting my grandmother in the countryside, she shared with me her own version of the Chicken Caesar Salad recipe. She had learned it from a dear friend who had traveled to Greece and brought back a new twist on the classic dish. My grandmother showed me how to infuse the dressing with fresh lemon juice and zest, giving it a bright and zesty flavor that perfectly complemented the savory chicken and crisp lettuce.

As I watched my grandmother effortlessly prepare the salad, I realized just how much joy and love can be found in cooking. The process of creating a delicious meal to share with others is a true labor of love, a way to connect and nourish both body and soul. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for all the recipes and culinary wisdom that had been passed down to me over the years.

Now, whenever I make the Chicken Caesar Salad, I think back to those cherished moments spent in the kitchen with Margaret and my grandmother. I remember the laughter, the stories, and the shared love of good food that brought us together. And as I savor each bite of the salad, I am reminded of the rich tapestry of flavors and memories that have shaped my culinary journey.

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, cooking has always been my sanctuary, a place where I can find peace and comfort in the simple act of creating something delicious. The Chicken Caesar Salad recipe will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joyful moments spent in the company of loved ones, sharing in the delight of a truly delectable meal.