1-Preparing the chicken: Getting started with this chicken Caesar salad recipe is fun and straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking. First, prepare the chicken by pounding it to 1/2-inch thickness, then season with salt, pepper, and any extras like garlic powder for extra flavor. Heat your pan or grill to medium-high and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until it’s fully done I’ve found this step makes the chicken juicy and tender.

2-Making the croutons and lettuce preparation: Next, for the croutons, bake 1/2-inch pieces of bread tossed with anchovy oil, olive oil, and a bit of salt at 400°F for 10-15 minutes until they’re nicely browned. While that’s happening, wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dry it well to keep everything crisp. In a large bowl, mix the lettuce with half the croutons and two-thirds of the dressing for even coating.

3-Final assembly and dressing preparation: Once the chicken cools, slice it and add it on top, along with the remaining croutons and dressing. For the dressing, blend lemon juice, Parmesan, anchovy fillets, Dijon mustard, garlic, and black pepper, then slowly add olive oil to make it smooth. Serve right away with extra Parmesan for that finishing touch. Remember, prep time is about 30 minutes and cook time is 15-30 minutes, so it’s quick for busy nights.