Description
A delightful and satisfying salad featuring juicy chicken tenders, fresh romaine lettuce, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick meal that’s both delicious and nutritious!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
For the Creamy Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Chicken Tenders
- 8 chicken tenders, skin removed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Crust
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, yogurt, garlic, black pepper, lemon juice, salt, olive oil, Parmigiano Reggiano, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Store the dressing in the fridge while you prepare the chicken and salad.
- Make the Chicken Tenders: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In one bowl, whisk together the egg, lemon juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken tenders and coat them well. In another bowl, mix the crust ingredients: flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Dip each chicken tender into the crust mixture, coating well, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray the tenders generously with avocado oil. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, spray again, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Assemble the Salad: Cut the romaine lettuce and toss it with half of the dressing. In a large serving dish, layer the dressed romaine, then add the crispy chicken tenders (cut into pieces), croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Drizzle with more dressing as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, flavorful Chicken Caesar Salad!
Notes
- Ensure the romaine lettuce is well-dried to avoid a watery salad.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Avocado oil spray helps the tenders achieve a crispy texture in the oven without frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 135mg