Chicken Caesar Salad

The classic Chicken Caesar salad. Roast chicken is ideal but the pieces need to come from a previous dinner.

Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves 2

Ingredients:

For the salad:

• 2 boneless chicken pieces (or use roast chicken pieces from a previous roast dinner if these are available).
• 1 ciabatta or 4 slices white bread which are toasted
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large lettuce (romaine or cos). Either will do to be honest as long as they are crisp.

For the dressing:

• 1 clove garlic
• Parmesan cheese to taste
• 5 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Tear and cut the bread into croutons. Place these on a large baking sheet and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil by rubbing it into the bread.
3. Place the croutons in the oven for 10 minutes. Occasionally turn the croutons so they brown evenly.
4. Use the remaining oil to rub over the boneless chicken breasts if these need to be cooked. Place in a frying pan or skillet on a medium heat for around 10 to 12 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through to ensure it is cooked evenly. [Use the roast chicken pieces if they have already been prepared from a previous dinner.]
5. To check if it is cooked cut the chicken and check there is no sign of pink inside by opening up some of the flesh to check. If there is some pink, continue to cook until the colour has changed.

The Dressing

6. To make the dressing, firstly peel and then crush the garlic with a garlic crusher. Grate a handful of parmesan, or more depending on preference and mix it with the other dressing ingredients. Taste the sauce and season accordingly, if the sauce becomes too thick then stir in water.

Mix all the ingredients together in a large salad bowl and serve as a side or even as a main course.

7. Use a peeler to shave the cheese and tear lettuce leaves into large pieces. Place these is a bowl to form the base of the salad. Tear the chicken into small pieces and scatter with the croutons over the lettuce and cheese. Add the dressing to the salad and enjoy.