Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Croutons

Ingredients

• Chicken breast 6 oz
• Romaine lettuce 2 cups
• Caesar dressing 2 tbsp
• Croutons 1/2 cup
• Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor when grilling.
   Tip: Make sure the chicken is evenly seasoned for the best taste.
2. Grill the chicken. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breast on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
   Tip: Avoid moving the chicken too much while grilling to get nice grill marks.
3. Rest and slice chicken. Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
   Tip: Resting the chicken helps keep it moist and tender.
4. Prepare the lettuce. While the chicken rests, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces if not already done. Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl.
   Tip: Make sure the lettuce is dry to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
5. Assemble the salad. Add the grilled chicken slices on top of the lettuce. Drizzle the Caesar dressing evenly over the salad. Sprinkle the croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
   Tip: Toss gently if you prefer the dressing mixed throughout, or leave as is for layering flavors.
6. Serve immediately. Serve the salad right away to enjoy the crispness of the lettuce and croutons along with the warm chicken.
   Tip: If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Pro tips

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
• To make homemade croutons, cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until golden.