Buttermilk Chicken Caesar Salad 

 

A buttermilk mixture makes a dressing and the marinade; you can prep the chicken up to a day ahead. Use the buttermilk left in the container to jazz up mashed potatoes.

 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, pressed through a garlic press
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• coarse salt and ground pepper
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (6 to 8 ounces each)
• 2 slices multigrain bread
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 medium heads (1 1/2 pounds total) romaine lettuce, cut into pieces
• 1/2 small head radicchio, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Heat broiler, with rack set 4 inches from heat. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag; reserving 1/2 cup for salad, add buttermilk mixture. Refrigerate chicken at least 15 minutes and up to 1 day.
3. Meanwhile, make croutons: Place bread on prepared baking sheet. Brush both sides with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Broil until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes per side; cut into 1-inch pieces (and reserve baking sheet).
4. Transfer chicken to baking sheet; discard marinade. Broil until opaque throughout, 14 to 16 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes; thinly slice crosswise. In a large bowl, stir together mayonnaise and reserved buttermilk mixture. Add romaine, radicchio, chicken, and croutons; toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Cook's Note

Bathed in Buttermilk: Low-fat buttermilk gives the chicken zip and tenderizes the meat. The longer the soak, the softer the chicken.