Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
A classic Chicken Caesar Salad with the added crunch of homemade croutons, perfect for a light lunch or hearty dinner.
Ingredients
For the croutons
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups ciabatta bread cubes Use stale bread for better texture.
For the chicken
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar.
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the salad
- 2 heads romaine (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan For topping if desired.
Instructions
Preparation of Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, parsley, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add ciabatta bread cubes and toss until they are evenly coated.
- Spread the cubes on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, grated garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade. Let it sit for about 15-30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing.
Making the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assembling the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, sliced chicken, and croutons.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Top with additional freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Serve immediately after tossing for best results. Store components separately to maintain freshness.