Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad from Applebee's features tender grilled chicken breast atop crisp romaine lettuce, tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and refreshing meal.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Mixing bowl
- Salad spinner (optional)
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Large serving bowl
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 8 cups romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures tender, juicy meat that cooks evenly on the grill or grill pan. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly enhances the salad's flavor compared to pre-shredded versions, offering a richer taste and better texture. Romaine lettuce should be thoroughly rinsed and dried with a salad spinner to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess. Using high-quality Caesar dressing and freshly made croutons will elevate your salad to match restaurant standards. Your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad from Applebee's copycat recipe will deliver the same delicious, refreshing flavors found on their menu.
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or grill pan.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken breasts until fully cooked and grill marks appear, flipping once.
- Remove chicken from grill; let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- Wash and dry romaine lettuce; chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Place chopped romaine in a mixing bowl.
- Add Caesar dressing to the lettuce; toss to coat evenly.
- Transfer dressed lettuce to a large serving bowl.
- Top salad with grilled chicken slices.
- Sprinkle croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad from Applebee's copycat menu offers a delicious and balanced meal with grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing. If you don't have a grill or grill pan, you can pan-sear the chicken breasts in a skillet using olive oil to achieve a similar flavor and texture. Your romaine lettuce can be replaced with other sturdy greens like kale or romaine hearts if you prefer a different crunch. When fresh Parmesan cheese is unavailable, pre-grated Parmesan or a similar hard cheese like Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute. Croutons can easily be homemade by toasting cubed bread in olive oil and seasoning if store-bought options aren't accessible.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your grill or grill pan thoroughly before cooking the chicken breasts to achieve those appealing grill marks and ensure even cooking. Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat; this helps retain its juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Wash and dry your romaine lettuce thoroughly using a salad spinner if available, as excess moisture can dilute the Caesar dressing and make the salad soggy. Toss your lettuce with the Caesar dressing in a mixing bowl so every leaf is evenly coated before adding your chicken, croutons, and Parmesan for the best taste and texture balance in your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad.
Nutritions
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad from Applebee's provides a balanced mix of protein and fiber, with each chicken breast delivering approximately 26 grams of lean protein essential for muscle maintenance and repair. Romaine lettuce contributes dietary fiber and essential vitamins like A and K, supporting immune function and bone health. The Caesar dressing, while adding creaminess and flavor, typically contains fats that should be consumed in moderation to maintain heart health. Your meal is completed with crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese, adding texture and a modest amount of calcium, boosting overall nutritional value.
Storage
Store grilled chicken and romaine lettuce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, with the chicken lasting up to 3-4 days and the lettuce best consumed within 1-2 days. Keep croutons in a sealed bag at room temperature to preserve their crunch, and store Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese in sealed containers or jars to prevent contamination. When ready to serve, combine all components to ensure your salad stays crisp and flavorful.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken breasts with grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist that adds rich omega-3 fatty acids. Using kale or mixed greens instead of romaine lettuce boosts fiber and nutrients while providing a different texture. Swap traditional Caesar dressing with a yogurt-based or avocado Caesar for a lighter, healthier option. Toast the croutons with garlic and herbs before adding for enhanced flavor and crunch.
Allergies
Your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad may contain allergens such as dairy from the Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing, gluten from the croutons, and potential egg content in the dressing. People with sensitivities to any of these ingredients should exercise caution or inquire about allergen-free alternatives. Cross-contamination risks may also exist depending on food preparation practices at Applebee's.
Why this recipe?
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad from Applebee's restaurant combines tender, juicy grilled chicken with crisp romaine lettuce and creamy Caesar dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The salad features freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons that enhance every bite, making it a satisfying yet healthy meal option. You can recreate this crowd-pleasing dish at home by mastering the simple seasoning and grilling techniques used by Applebee's, which ensures the chicken remains flavorful and moist. Trying the copycat recipe offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a restaurant-quality salad anytime while customizing ingredients to your taste.