Caesar Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad Recipe for 4 People

Ingredients:

- 2 large chicken breasts

- 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces

- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

- For the dressing:

- 4-6 anchovy fillets, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 egg yolks

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

2. In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce leaves and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the dressing.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chopped anchovies, minced garlic, egg yolks, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

4. Gradually drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil into the bowl while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

5. Add the grilled chicken slices and crumbled bacon to the romaine lettuce in the salad bowl.

6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly.

7. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and give it one final toss to combine.

8. Serve the Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad immediately.

Equipment Needed:

- Grill or stovetop grill pan

- Large salad bowl

- Whisk

Commonly Made Mistakes and Points of Care:

1. Grilling Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are cooked thoroughly, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness, so keep a close eye on them while grilling.

2. Crispy Bacon: Crumble the bacon only after it has been cooked until crispy. This will add a delightful crunch to the salad.

3. Anchovies and Garlic: As in the classic Caesar Salad, anchovies and garlic are the base of the dressing. Finely chop the anchovies and crush the garlic into a paste for a balanced flavor profile.

4. Egg Yolks: If you have concerns about using raw egg yolks, you can use pasteurized eggs or store-bought mayonnaise as a safer alternative for the dressing.

5. Quality of Ingredients: To make this salad truly exceptional, use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Serving: To enjoy the Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad at its best, serve it immediately after dressing it to prevent the lettuce from wilting. If preparing in advance, keep the dressing and lettuce separate and combine just before serving.