The Ultimate Makeover Chicken Caesar Salad Recipes

THE ULTIMATE MAKEOVER: CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Marinate the chicken. Mix the lemon juice, oil, thyme and garlic in a shallow dish. Add the chicken and turn it over in the marinade to coat well. Season with freshly ground pepper and leave for up to 2 hrs.
• Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Slice, then cut the bread into big, rough cubes for the croutons. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then brush all over with the 2 tbsp oil. Bake for about 10 mins until golden and crisp.
• Meanwhile, put the garlic into a mini blender with the mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, chilli and anchovies. Blend until smooth, add the mayonnaise and yogurt, then blend again - it should be the consistency of double cream. Adjust the taste with lemon juice and pepper. If necessary, thin with a couple of tsps of cold water to get the consistency right so it will coat the leaves.
• Heat a griddle pan until very hot. Lay the chicken on the griddle, on the side that had the skin on. Cook for 15-16 mins, turning once or twice, until cooked through. Remove, then let the meat sit for 5 mins before slicing.
• Keep any small inner lettuce leaves whole, tear the larger outer leaves into 2-3 pieces, then put them all into a large bowl with the rocket or watercress. Pour just under half the dressing over the leaves and carefully toss to coat - it's gentler to use your hands. Either assemble in the bowl, or pile the leaves onto individual plates, tucking in the croutons, chicken and Parmesan. Drizzle the rest of the dressing over and around, then finish with an extra squeeze of lemon.

CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Make croutons: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil, and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden, 12 to 15 minutes; remove from oven; and let cool.
• Make chicken: Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes per side; remove from skillet and let cool.
• Prepare lettuce: Cut romaine crosswise into 1-inch ribbons; wash and dry.
• Make dressing: In a blender, combine lemon juice, mayonnaise, Parmesan, anchovy fillets (if using), and garlic; blend until smooth. If preparing this recipe in advance, see storage instructions (below).
• If stored in refrigerator, bring chicken and dressing to room temperature. Slice chicken crosswise into strips; toss with croutons, lettuce, and dressing.

ULTIMATE CAESAR SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• For the dressing: Combine the lemon juice, anchovies, mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a generous grind of black pepper in a mini-food processor and process until smooth. With the machine running, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing.
• For the croutons: Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is golden and begins to soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Let cool, then remove and discard garlic.
• Put the focaccia in a large bowl and drizzle with the garlic oil. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of black pepper and toss well to coat all of the cubes in oil. Spread on a baking sheet and toast, tossing halfway through, until the croutons are lightly golden and crisp, about 12 minutes. Let cool.
• To assemble: When ready to serve, put the romaine in a large serving bowl and sprinkle with the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Add the croutons, drizzle with the dressing and toss well. Season with salt and pepper, if necessary. Use a vegetable peeler to shave shards of Parmigiano-Reggiano over the salad, toss gently again, and serve immediately.