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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 10m
  • Total Time: 0h 25m
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is ready for cooking the chicken properly.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil for moisture and flavor.
  3. Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance the flavor.
  4. 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.
  5. Flip Chicken: Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken breasts carefully to the other side.
  6. 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.
  7. Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep juices inside and enhance tenderness.
  8. Prepare Lettuce: While chicken rests, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
  9. Add Dressing: Drizzle about half of the Caesar dressing over the lettuce to start coating it evenly.
  10. Toss Salad: Gently toss the lettuce and dressing together to ensure the leaves are well coated.
  11. Add Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder over the salad and toss again for a hint of extra flavor.
  12. Slice Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips against the grain to maximize tenderness.
  13. Combine Salad and Chicken: Add the sliced chicken strips to the salad, spreading them evenly on top.
  14. Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad for a rich and savory finish.
  15. Add Croutons: Top the salad with crunchy croutons evenly distributed for texture.
  16. 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.