Hey there! If there’s one salad that brings everyone to the table in our home, it’s the Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad. This recipe has quickly become a favorite, especially during those sunlit summer weekends when the whole family gets together. To be honest, even though it’s incredibly easy to prepare, it feels a little bit special the moment you taste it. Imagine crispy chicken paired with crunchy romaine and a creamy dressing—oh, it’s absolutely mouth-watering!
I whipped this up last weekend, and it was a huge hit. It all started when my husband, who’s usually not a salad kind of guy, found himself going back for seconds—and maybe thirds! Our kids even paused their screen time to join us at the table, and you know how rare that can be these days. It’s one of those salads that’s light yet satisfying, making it the perfect dish for when you want something that’s both refreshing and filling.
What I adore about this salad is the flavorful twist it brings to the classic Caesar we all know and love. The crispy chicken gives it a hearty touch, making it not just an appetizer but a meal by itself. And let’s not forget about that dressing—tangy, creamy, and just the right amount of zest to tickle your taste buds.
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this recipe isn’t daunting in the least. So, if you’re searching for a dish that combines simplicity with a taste that would make any restaurant jealous, my Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re hosting a small family dinner or a larger gathering with friends, this dish won’t let you down. Tempted? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 cup of your favorite croutons
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 chicken tenders, skin removed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Avocado oil spray
Directions
- Start by creating the dressing. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt, 3 minced garlic cloves, black pepper, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, Parmigiano, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth, then let this chill in the fridge.
- While the dressing cools, wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Set it aside to air dry completely.
- Prepare the chicken by removing any excess skin. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg along with minced garlic, a teaspoon of lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Place the chicken tenders into this mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
- In a separate dish, combine flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Dredge each chicken strip in this flour mix, making sure they are well-covered, and lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray the chicken pieces with avocado oil spray. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Once baked, let them cool slightly before slicing.
- To assemble the salad, chop the dried romaine lettuce and blend it with half of the prepared dressing. Layer the romaine in a large serving bowl, then top with the sliced crispy chicken, croutons, and sprinkle with shaved parmesan cheese. Add more dressing if desired.
Storing Suggestion
Keep any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for 2 to 3 days. As for the salad, store it without dressing to avoid sogginess. Reassemble with dressing just before serving.
Cooking Tips
For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the egg mixture for up to an hour. You can also experiment with different crouton flavors to add variety. Avoid over-dressing the salad to prevent it from becoming too heavy.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is delightful served on its own, but you can complement it with a side of garlic bread or a chilled glass of lemonade. For a formal gathering, pair it with a light white wine to enhance its flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have avocado oil spray, olive oil spray works just as fine. Greek yogurt can replace plain yogurt for a thicker texture. Gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs can be used for those avoiding gluten.
Seasonal Variations
In the springtime, add fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. When fall rolls around, crisp apple slices can add a sweet note. During winter, consider adding roasted nuts for a warm crunch.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese and use a dairy-free yogurt for the dressing. Gluten-free substitutes, as mentioned, can easily make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use grilled chicken instead of crispy?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken can offer a smoky flavor that compliments the Caesar dressing nicely. Sauté, grill, or air-fry the chicken tenders using the same marinade if you prefer a healthier alternative to fried chicken.
How can I make the salad spicier?
To add a kick to your salad, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing or cayenne pepper in the chicken breading. You can also serve it with a side of spicy dipping sauce.
Is it suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be prepared ahead. Keep the dressing in a separate container and add it right before eating. This helps retain the crispiness of both the lettuce and the chicken.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
You definitely can! Just store it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge. It should remain fresh and flavorful for up to three days, making meal prep even easier.
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
To keep the chicken crispy, reheat it in an oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the chicken soggy.
Can I use kale instead of romaine lettuce?
Certainly! Kale can offer additional nutritional benefits, although it has a denser texture. Make sure to massage the kale with a bit of olive oil to soften it up before using it in the salad.
Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large head romaine lettuce washed and dried
- 1 cup croutons your choice
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 8 strips chicken tenders skin removed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 large clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well mixed. Chill in the fridge.
- Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Set aside.
- For crispy chicken, whisk egg, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken strips.
- Mix flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in another bowl. Coat chicken in mixture.
- Bake chicken strips at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying with avocado oil.
- Chop lettuce, toss with half of the dressing, and layer in a serving dish with chicken, croutons, and parmesan.
