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Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad

Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad: A Fresh and Hearty Delight

Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad is a hearty and satisfying meal that elevates the classic dish with homemade dressing and crunchy toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce washed and dried
  • 2 cups Croutons any kind you prefer
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (shaved)
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Plain Yogurt (full fat)
  • 3 cloves Garlic grated or minced
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (grated)
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
For the Chicken Tenders
  • 8 strips Chicken Tenders trimmed
  • 1 large Egg
  • 1/2 cup Flour
  • 1 cup Bread Crumbs panko optional
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Salad spinner
  • Oven
  • Non-stick sheet pan

Method
 

Dressing Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, plain yogurt, grated garlic, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Lettuce Preparation
  1. While the dressing chills, wash the romaine lettuce under cold running water to remove any dirt and grit. After washing, spin the lettuce in a salad spinner or pat dry with clean towels, ensuring it’s thoroughly dried to maintain crispness. Roughly chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set aside in a large salad bowl.
Chicken Prep
  1. Prepare the chicken tenders by trimming any excess skin and patting them dry. In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, mix flour, bread crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture first, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage for that crispy texture.
Baking Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a non-stick sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared pan in a single layer. For an extra crunchy finish, generously spray the chicken with avocado oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, flip the tenders, and bake for another 10 minutes, until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Assembly
  1. Once the chicken is baked to crispy perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. In the large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with half of the chilled dressing, ensuring it’s well coated. Then, layer the crispy chicken tenders, croutons, and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Finish by generously sprinkling shaved Parmesan cheese on top for that decadent touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure your romaine is fully dried to prevent any sogginess and keep the salad crisp. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.

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