25-Minute Chicken Caesar Salad

Looking for a quick, delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor? This 25-minute Chicken Caesar Salad is not just easy to make, but it’s also one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to week after week.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this salad combines tender chicken, crunchy greens, and a creamy homemade dressing that will elevate your dinner game!

Ingredients

• 8 raw chicken tenders
• 4 heads of little gem lettuce (or romaine)
• 20g (1.5 tbsp) olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
• 50g (1/4 cup) olive oil (for the dressing)
• 150g (1.5 cups) panko breadcrumbs
• 20g (4 tsp) chopped capers
• Grated parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 45g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese (for dressing)
• 30g (1 can) oil-packed anchovies (rinsed)
• 1 clove garlic
• 50g (3.5 tbsp) lemon juice
• 10g (2 tsp) water
• 275g (1.25 cups) neutral oil (canola, light olive oil, avocado, etc)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Set them aside to marinate while you prepare the dressing.

This will help enhance the flavor as they rest.

Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing

In a tall container, add one large egg, 45 grams of grated parmesan, 30 grams of rinsed anchovies, one clove of garlic, 50 grams of lemon juice, and 10 grams of water.

Blend these ingredients together using an immersion blender until smooth.

Slowly drizzle in 275 grams of neutral oil while blending to create a stable emulsion.

Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce

Chop the little gem lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Load the chopped lettuce into a salad spinner.

Wash and spin the lettuce until it’s completely dry.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

Preheat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a squish of olive oil.

Place the chicken tenders in the pan and cover with a lid to steam and sear them.

After about 5 minutes, flip the tenders and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Fry the Breadcrumbs

Wipe out the pan and add 50 grams of olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add 150 grams of panko breadcrumbs and toss them in the oil.

Cook for about 60 seconds until golden brown, then remove them from the heat.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine three large handfuls of little gem lettuce, chopped capers, and grated parmesan cheese.

Add the chopped chicken tenders and toss everything together.

Finally, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is well coated.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Plate the salad and top with extra breadcrumbs and parmesan if desired.

This Chicken Caesar Salad is not only quick but incredibly satisfying!

Enjoy your homemade meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes!