Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

platter of salad, dressing, croutons, and sliced chicken

Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

This easy Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad takes 20 minutes with seared chicken finished in the oven. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep lunches!

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings:

Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
3 tablespoons olive oil divided
3 tablespoons Blackening seasoning
16 ounces romaine lettuce hearts roughly 8 cups chopped
1 cup Parmesan cheese shaved
5 ounces croutons use your favorite
½ cup Caesar dressing

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F.
In a bowl, add the chicken breasts. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and seasoning and toss to coat.
In an oven-safe nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts, and sear on both sides.
Place the skillet in the oven and cook until the chicken reaches 165F.
While the chicken is cooking, wash and chop the lettuce.
Add it to a large bowl, sprinkle in the cheese and croutons.
Set aside until the chicken is ready.
When the chicken has reached temperature, remove from the oven. Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let sit for 5 minutes.
Slice the chicken into thin strips.
Add to the top of the salad.
Serve with dressing.

Notes

Use an oven-safe skillet so you can sear on the stovetop and finish in the oven without transferring. Cast iron works perfectly!
Don't move the chicken while searing. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes undisturbed to develop a dark crust.
Press the blackening seasoning into the chicken so it sticks. Don't just sprinkle it on top or it falls off during searing.
Resting the chicken after cooking keeps it juicy. Slicing immediately releases all the juices onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
Romaine hearts are sturdy and hold up to warm chicken and heavy dressing. Tender mixed greens can wilt with the heat and dressing.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Guessing leads to dry overcooked chicken or undercooked unsafe chicken.
Keep dressing on the side if making ahead. Only dress the portion you're eating immediately so the rest stays crisp.
Shave Parmesan from a block with a vegetable peeler for the best texture. The thin shavings are prettier than shredded cheese.

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