Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad
If you’re looking for a refreshing yet hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the deliciousness of balsamic-glazed chicken, then you’re in for a treat! This Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and is guaranteed to impress everyone at your table. The juicy, tender chicken, drizzled with a zesty balsamic marinade, pairs beautifully with crisp greens, creamy Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Flavorful Chicken: The balsamic marinade infuses the chicken with a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the entire salad.
– Fresh Ingredients: Crisp romaine and spring greens add a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
– Homemade Dressing: The Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing is simple to make and far superior to store-bought versions.
– Versatile & Customizable: This salad can be adjusted to your taste, whether you like more greens, extra cheese, or additional toppings.
Ingredient Checklist
- 4 chicken breasts (1.5 to 2 lbs) – boneless and skinless for tenderness
- 3 Tbsp avocado oil – for a light, healthy fat
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar – adds depth and tanginess
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for aromatic flavor
- 1 tsp dried oregano – enhances the herbal notes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt – for seasoning
- 5 ounces romaine hearts – chopped for crunch
- 2.5 to 5 ounces spring green mix – for a variety of textures
- 1 batch Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing – creamy and tangy
- Croutons – for added crunch
- Parmesan cheese – grated, for that classic Caesar flavor
Appliances & Accessories
- Oven – for baking the chicken to perfection.
- Mixing bowl – for marinating the chicken.
- Whisk – for combining ingredients in the dressing.
- Meat thermometer – to ensure your chicken is cooked through.
- Salad bowl – for serving your delicious salad.
Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad in Steps
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and sea salt. Whisk until well blended. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Bake the Chicken
Once marinated, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Prepare the Greens
While the chicken is baking, chop the romaine hearts and combine them in a large salad bowl with the spring green mix. Toss well to mix the greens evenly.
Step 4: Make the Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing
If you haven’t prepared the Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing yet, now is the perfect time! Combine ingredients like mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, add the sliced chicken to the greens. Drizzle the homemade Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing over the top, adding as much or as little as you prefer. Toss everything together gently to combine.
Step 6: Add Croutons and Parmesan
To finish off your Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad, sprinkle croutons and grated parmesan cheese on top. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a bit more balsamic vinegar over the salad before serving.
How to Make It Lighter
- Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor without added fat.
- Replace mayonnaise in the dressing with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
- Opt for a lighter cheese, like feta or a reduced-fat parmesan, to cut down on calories.
- Add more veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers to bulk up the salad without adding many calories.
Author’s Commentary
This Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of the balsamic chicken and creamy Caesar dressing creates an irresistible flavor profile that is both comforting and refreshing. It’s perfect for meal prep, and you can even customize it with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or packing it for lunch, this salad is bound to satisfy your cravings!
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad fresh, store the components separately. Place the greens and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken should be stored in another container. When ready to enjoy, simply combine everything in a bowl, toss, and enjoy your tasty salad. This way, the greens remain crisp, and the flavors stay vibrant!
Popular Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and juiciness to your salad, making it even more delicious.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This salad is great for meal prep. Just keep the chicken, greens, and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness.
Hungry for More?
If you loved this Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad, be sure to check out more of my delicious recipes! From vibrant grain bowls to comforting pasta dishes, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to follow along for more cooking tips, tricks, and mouthwatering recipes that will inspire you to bring creativity into your kitchen.
Whether you’re enjoying this salad as a light lunch or a hearty dinner, the Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade dish that’s both nutritious and utterly delicious!
Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the avocado oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and sea salt. Whisk until well blended. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Once marinated, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- While the chicken is baking, chop the romaine hearts and combine them in a large salad bowl with the spring green mix. Toss well to mix the greens evenly.
- If you haven’t prepared the Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing yet, now is the perfect time! Combine ingredients like mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken has cooled slightly, add the sliced chicken to the greens. Drizzle the homemade Lemony Caesar Salad Dressing over the top, adding as much or as little as you prefer. Toss everything together gently to combine.
- To finish off your Balsamic Baked Chicken Caesar Salad, sprinkle croutons and grated parmesan cheese on top. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a bit more balsamic vinegar over the salad before serving.
Notes
- Store salad components separately to keep greens crisp.
- Use skinless chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Add more veggies like cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
