Description
This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a perfect balance of smoky, tender grilled chicken and crisp romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Topped with crunchy croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this salad offers a satisfying and healthy meal option that is quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is ready for cooking the chicken properly.
- Prepare Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil for moisture and flavor.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance the flavor.
- Grill Chicken (Side 1): Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving to develop nice grill marks.
- Flip Chicken: Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken breasts carefully to the other side.
- Grill Chicken (Side 2): Grill the chicken for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep juices inside and enhance tenderness.
- Prepare Lettuce: While chicken rests, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle about half of the Caesar dressing over the lettuce to start coating it evenly.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss the lettuce and dressing together to ensure the leaves are well coated.
- Add Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder over the salad and toss again for a hint of extra flavor.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Combine Salad and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken strips to the salad, spreading them evenly on top.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad for a rich and savory finish.
- Add Croutons: Top the salad with crunchy croutons evenly distributed for texture.
- Serve: Serve immediately, with extra Caesar dressing on the side if desired.
Notes
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated to get perfect grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps retain its juiciness.
- To make the salad lighter, control the amount of Caesar dressing added, or use a low-fat version.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling with lemon juice and herbs.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
