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Quick Garlic Butter Chicken Caesar Salad

quick garlic butter chicken caesar salad - featured image

A quick and easy garlic butter chicken Caesar salad ready in 15 minutes, combining warm, flavorful chicken with crisp romaine and creamy Caesar dressing for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Caesar dressing, store-bought or homemade
  • 1 cup croutons, store-bought or homemade
  • Optional: freshly cracked black pepper for finishing
  • Optional: fresh lemon wedge for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken slices dry with paper towels; season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. (About 5 minutes)
  2. Warm a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted and foaming, add the minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. (1–2 minutes)
  3. Add the chicken slices in a single layer. Let cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a nice sear. Flip them and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Spoon the melted butter over the chicken as it finishes cooking, another 2-3 minutes, until cooked through (internal temp ~165°F / 74°C) and golden. (5–6 minutes)
  4. While the chicken cooks, toss the chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated but not drenched. Add grated Parmesan cheese and croutons, giving a gentle toss. (3 minutes)
  5. Transfer the dressed salad to plates or a serving bowl. Arrange the hot garlic butter chicken on top. Finish with extra Parmesan, a crack of black pepper, and a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing. (2 minutes)

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to allow chicken to brown properly. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Melt butter slowly to avoid burning. Cut chicken into thin strips for even and quick cooking. Let chicken rest briefly after cooking to keep it juicy. For extra crispness, broil chicken for 1-2 minutes watching closely. For gluten-free, substitute croutons with toasted nuts or gluten-free croutons. For dairy-free, use vegan butter and dairy-free Caesar dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter chicken, Caesar salad, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, chicken salad, 15-minute recipe