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Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad
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- #83255
Caesar has been eagerly awaiting a Cajun twist. Seasoned chicken, bacon, and parmesan combine with some simply dressed romaine for a zesty salad that could even be a meal in of itself.
serves/makes:
ready in:
under 30 minutes
under 30 minutes
2 reviews
ingredients
1/4 pound bacon
2 medium chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning spice
1 tablespoon light olive oil (or bacon grease)
1 head Romaine lettuce, torn
1 bottle (12 ounce size) Caesar salad dressing, as needed
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
directions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon slices and cook, turning as needed, until the fat has rendered and they are just barely crisp. Remove the bacon from the skillet and let drain on paper toweling. When cool, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Wipe out the skillet and add the oil (or, you can drain off all but one tablespoon of the bacon grease). Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with the Cajun seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, turning the chicken as needed, until cooked through (3-5 more minutes, depending on the thickness). Cook the chicken to 165 degrees F on a meat thermometer.
Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Slice or cube the chicken as desired.
Place the Romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Toss it with just enough salad dressing needed to lightly coat the lettuce. Add the Parmesan and bacon and toss again.
Divide the lettuce mixture between individual salad plates. Top each serving with the sliced chicken. Serve the Cajun chicken Caesar salad immediately.
recipe tips
Cook the bacon until just crisp to avoid it becoming too crisp when cooled.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing to keep it juicy.
Toss the salad gently to evenly distribute the dressing without wilting the lettuce.
Consider adding croutons for an extra crunch.
For a spicier kick, add extra Cajun seasoning or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Pair the salad with a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the Cajun flavors.
If preparing for a group, keep the components separate and allow guests to assemble their own salads to suit their tastes.
common recipe questions
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for their lean texture and ease of cooking. Make sure they are pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if desired. They will take longer to cook.
How do I make sure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. The chicken should be white all the way through with no pink remaining.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just season it with Cajun spice and warm it up before adding to the salad. This salad works great with leftover chicken.
Can I substitute the Romaine lettuce?
Yes, other crisp lettuces like iceberg or a mix of greens can be used, though Romaine is traditional for Caesar salads.
How can I make this salad healthier?
Use a lighter Caesar dressing, reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese, omit the bacon (or use a plant-based substitute), and consider grilling the chicken instead of frying.
How should I serve this salad?
Serve the salad immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and the warmth of the chicken.
nutrition data
Nutritional data has not been calculated yet.
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reviews & comments
December 8, 2023
I agree, this salad is amazing! I'm not good at "winging it" with making salads so I always need a recipe. I'll be using this one again for sure.
July 7, 2012
This salad is very flavorful. My husband said it was the best Caesar salad he ever ate.