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Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Caesar Recipe with Crispy Parmesan Topping

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A fresh and flavorful Caesar salad featuring smoky grilled lemon herb chicken and crispy Parmesan crisps, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large head of Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for crisps)
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for crisps)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken (10 minutes prep + 30 minutes rest): In a medium bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Whisk lightly. Add chicken breasts and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
  2. Prepare Parmesan Crisps (10 minutes): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place tablespoon-sized mounds of grated Parmesan about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. If using a skillet, spoon small rounds and cook until edges brown, then flip carefully. Remove crisps and let cool on a wire rack.
  3. Grill the Chicken (8-10 minutes): Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  4. Prepare the Salad (5 minutes): In a large bowl, toss chopped Romaine with Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan. Add freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly without bruising the lettuce.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Arrange dressed salad on plates or serving bowl. Top with sliced grilled chicken and scatter Parmesan crisps over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Watch Parmesan crisps closely to avoid burning. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. For more lemon flavor, add lemon zest to marinade. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked properly.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, lemon herb, Caesar salad, Parmesan crisps, quick dinner, healthy salad, backyard barbecue

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/fresh-grilled-lemon-herb-chicken-caesar-recipe-with-crispy-parmesan-topping/