ChefXi OfficialA soulful lunch featuring hearth-grilled chicken breast over crisp romaine, tossed in a house-made smoky Caesar dressing with charred sourdough croutons.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, minced anchovies, grated garlic, and Worcestershire sauce until a vibrant harmony is achieved. Season with cracked black pepper.
Let the dressing sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure even coverage for the best crust.
Pat the chicken dry before oiling to ensure better searing.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grates and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and beautifully charred.
Don't move the chicken too early; let the char marks form naturally.
While the chicken grills, toss the sourdough cubes with a drizzle of oil and toast them on the edge of the grill until golden and crisp.
Keep a close eye on these; they go from golden to burnt quickly!
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips. This preserves the juicy essence of the meat.
Always rest your meat to keep the juices inside.
In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the smoky Caesar dressing and charred croutons. Plate the salad and top with the sliced grilled chicken and shaved Parmesan.
Plate immediately to keep the greens crisp.
The essence of this dish lies in the contrast between the cold, crisp greens and the warm, smoke-kissed chicken. Ensure your grill is screaming hot to get those defined char marks without overcooking the meat. If you have any leftover wood chips, a little hickory or applewood smoke elevates the 'bbq' profile to a legacy level. Respect the lineage of the Caesar by using high-quality anchovies in the dressing—they are the soulful anchor of the flavor profile.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.