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Crispy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Garlic Croutons

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A quick and fresh Caesar salad featuring perfectly grilled chicken breasts, homemade garlic croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing. This recipe balances smoky, crunchy, and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups day-old bread cubes (preferably crusty bread like baguette or sourdough)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add chicken breasts, turning to coat. Let sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  2. Prepare garlic croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and crisp.
  3. Make the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning and consistency with water if needed.
  4. Grill the chicken: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  5. Assemble the salad: Toss chopped romaine with half of the dressing and half of the Parmesan. Add sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with garlic croutons, and drizzle remaining dressing. Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before marinating to avoid steaming. Stir croutons halfway through baking to toast evenly. Toss salad lightly with dressing to prevent wilting. Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. Gluten-free bread can be used for croutons. Dairy-free dressing options include nutritional yeast and dairy-free mayo or silken tofu.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/crispy-grilled-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-garlic-croutons/