The Aged Parmesan Chicken Caesar from Yardbird features tender grilled chicken atop crisp romaine lettuce, tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with aged Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons, delivering a flavorful and satisfying classic salad experience.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Salad serving tongs
- Baking sheet (for croutons)
- Oven (for croutons)
- Plate or salad bowl
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup aged Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
- 1/4 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for dressing)
Ensure the chicken breasts are boneless and skinless to achieve even grilling and tenderness. Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for a crunchy texture that complements the creamy Caesar dressing. Fresh garlic and anchovy paste are key to developing the signature savory flavor in the dressing. Measure aged Parmesan cheese carefully to maintain the perfect balance of sharpness in both the salad and dressing. Your Aged Parmesan Chicken Caesar from Yardbird copycat menu will shine with these quality ingredients and precise preparation.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Grill chicken until cooked through, flipping once.
- Set grilled chicken aside to rest.
- Preheat oven for croutons.
- Spread croutons on a baking sheet and toast in oven until golden.
- Wash and dry romaine lettuce using salad spinner.
- Chop romaine lettuce on cutting board.
- Grate aged Parmesan cheese.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, anchovy paste, and black pepper for dressing.
- Slice grilled chicken breasts.
- In large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
- Add toasted croutons and shaved aged Parmesan cheese.
- Arrange dressed salad on plates or bowls.
- Top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately with salad tongs.
Substitution
The Aged Parmesan Chicken Caesar from Yardbird copycat menu features grilled chicken breasts seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, served over crisp romaine lettuce with a creamy Caesar dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, and grated Parmesan. If you cannot find aged Parmesan cheese, a good quality regular Parmesan can be used as a substitute with minimal flavor difference. In case fresh lemon juice is not available, bottled lemon juice can work, though fresh will yield a brighter taste. You may also prepare croutons in the oven using your favorite bread and olive oil to ensure they're crispy and flavorful. When grilling chicken, monitoring the temperature closely with tongs and a grill is important to avoid overcooking and to maintain tenderness.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your grill properly before cooking the chicken to achieve a juicy and evenly cooked texture. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce, as excess moisture can thin the Caesar dressing and make the salad soggy. When preparing the dressing, whisk ingredients well to blend the flavors and emulsify the mixture for a creamy consistency. Rest your grilled chicken for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices before slicing and adding it to your salad.
Nutritions
The Aged Parmesan Chicken Caesar provides a balanced combination of protein from grilled chicken and healthy fats from olive oil and mayonnaise, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Romaine lettuce contributes fiber, vitamins A and K, supporting digestive health and bone strength, while aged Parmesan cheese adds calcium for strong teeth and bones. The dressing's lemon juice offers vitamin C, aiding immune function, and garlic provides antioxidants that promote heart health. Your meal delivers a nutrient-rich classic salad experience that supports overall wellness with its blend of fresh produce, dairy, and lean protein.
Storage
Store leftover Aged Parmesan Chicken Caesar in an airtight container to maintain crispness and prevent the romaine lettuce from wilting. Keep the grilled chicken separate from the dressed salad to preserve its texture and flavor. Refrigerate for up to 2 days to ensure freshness while avoiding soggy croutons and wilted greens.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken with seared salmon or shrimp to add a seafood twist while maintaining protein richness. Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise in the Caesar dressing for a lighter and tangier flavor profile, which complements the aged Parmesan. Experiment with kale or baby spinach instead of romaine for a different texture and increased nutrient density. Try baking your own croutons with garlic and herbs on the baking sheet for a fresher, more personalized crunch.
Allergies
This Aged Parmesan Chicken Caesar salad contains common allergens such as dairy from aged Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise, and anchovy paste introduces a fish allergen. Croutons often contain gluten, which can be problematic for those with wheat allergies or gluten intolerance. You should check ingredient labels carefully if you have allergies to dairy, fish, or gluten to avoid any adverse reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Aged Parmesan Chicken Caesar at Yardbird restaurant features perfectly grilled chicken paired with rich aged parmesan cheese and a signature Caesar dressing that blends creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The menu's high-quality ingredients, including fresh romaine lettuce and house-made croutons, create a satisfying texture contrast and enhance the overall taste experience. Your taste buds will appreciate the balance of flavors and the crispy, tender chicken that makes this dish a favorite among patrons. Trying to make this copycat recipe at home allows you to enjoy a gourmet-quality meal while customizing the seasoning and ingredients to your preference.