Indulge in this crispy Chicken Caesar Salad, featuring golden-brown chicken, crunchy Parmesan croutons, and a homemade dressing that ties it all together! This salad is not only a satisfying main course but also a delightful way to enjoy classic flavors.
Ingredients:
Dressing:
- 1 cup (240g) full-fat mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup (30g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 anchovy fillets
- 2 tbsp milk (preferably whole)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp each of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce
- 1 small clove garlic
- 1/4 tsp each of salt and black pepper (to taste)
Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (7-9 oz each)
- 1 cup (65g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (40g) flour
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 tsp each of salt and garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil (for frying)
Salad:
- 2 large heads of Romaine lettuce, chopped (approx. 8 oz each)
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, diced
- 4 oz (120g) ciabatta (preferably day-old)
- 1/2 cup (40g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, garlic powder, and black pepper (for croutons)
Instructions:
- Make the Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Prepare the Croutons: Dice the ciabatta into small pieces and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Bake the Croutons: Spread grated Parmesan over a parchment-lined baking tray. Add the croutons on top and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes, until golden. Let cool to crisp up.
- Prepare the Chicken: Mix salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create 4 thinner pieces.
- Dredge the Chicken: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour and half the seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs and remaining seasoning. Coat each chicken piece in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Place on a wire rack to cool, then slice into strips.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with your desired amount of dressing. Add the bacon and croutons, mixing gently. Serve individual portions topped with sliced chicken and a drizzle of extra dressing if desired.
Enjoy a hearty dinner that combines crispy textures and rich flavors in every bite!EXTRA Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad