Ingredients
– 6 ounces uncut sourdough or ciabatta bread
– 1 (2-ounce) tin oil-packed anchovy fillets (not drained)
– 1/4 cup plus 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 pieces)
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
– 2 medium lemons
– 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup finely grated or 1/3 cup store-bought grated), plus more for serving
– 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic
– 2 medium heads romaine lettuce (about 12 ounces each)
Instructions
1-First, make the croutons: by heating your oven to 400°F. Cut the bread into 1/2-inch pieces and toss them with the oil from the anchovies, some olive oil, and a bit of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake until they’re lightly browned, remembering to toss every 5 minutes for even cooking this takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Let them cool before adding to your salad.
2-Next, prepare the chicken: by pounding the breasts to 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking. Season them with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Slice it into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.
3-Now, whip up the dressing: by blending the juice from 2 medium lemons with 1 ounce of Parmesan cheese, the anchovy fillets, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 clove of garlic, and some black pepper until it’s smooth. Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil while blending to get a creamy, emulsified texture that’ll tie the salad together.
4-Finally, assemble the salad: by chopping the 2 medium heads of romaine lettuce. Toss the lettuce with half the croutons and about two-thirds of the dressing in a large bowl. Top it with the sliced chicken, the rest of the croutons, a drizzle of the remaining dressing, and extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect finish.
Notes
🐟 Use oil-packed anchovies to add rich flavor without fishiness; include the oil for croutons and dressing.
🥗 Toss lettuce and croutons with most dressing first to keep lettuce crisp.
🍞 Use sourdough or ciabatta bread for croutons to enhance texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 to 30 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling, Blending, Tossing
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 3.7 g
- Sodium: 731.4 mg
- Fat: 21.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.5 g
- Fiber: 4.5 g
- Protein: 34.8 g
