Chicken Caesar Salad

Instructions

1. 01

   Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 400℉.

2. 02

   Cut 6 ounces sourdough or ciabatta bread into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Cut or tear the bread into 1/2-inch pieces (about 4 cups). Place on a rimmed baking sheet. Add the oil from 1 (2-ounce) tin oil-packed anchovy fillets (about 2 tablespoons), 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Toss to combine, rubbing the bread with your hands so the pieces are well-coated. Arrange into an even layer.

3. 03

   Bake until lightly browned all over, tossing every 5 minutes, 10 to 15 minutes total. Let cool completely on the baking sheet. Meanwhile, cook the chicken and make the dressing.

4. 04

   Working with 1 piece at a time, place 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag. Pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness with the flat part of a meat mallet or a rolling pin. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with 3/4 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper.

5. 05

   Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Working in batches if needed, add the chicken breasts in a single layer and cook until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a clean cutting board. If needed, add 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil to the pan and repeat with the remaining chicken.

6. 06

   When cool enough to handle, cut the chicken crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices.

7. 07

   Prepare the following, adding each to a blender as you complete it: Juice 2 medium lemons until you have 1/4 cup; finely grate 1 ounce Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup lightly packed) if needed, or measure out 1/3 cup store-bought grated; add 5 of the anchovy fillets (save the remainder for another use), 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon black pepper.

8. 08

   Blend until smooth, about 20 seconds. With the motor running, remove the inner cap on the lid and slowly pour in the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. Continue blending until creamy and emulsified, about 1 minute more.

9. 09

   Trim and coarsely chop 2 medium romaine lettuce heads (about 14 cups). Place in a large bowl and add half of the croutons and about 2/3 of the dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Top with chicken, remaining croutons, and remaining dressing. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese if desired.

10. 10

    Make ahead: The croutons can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The chicken can be cooked up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. The dressing can be made up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.