Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients

• 4 ounces Italian bread cut in ¾-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 4 chicken cutlets (each 2 to 3 ounces and ½ inch thick)
• 1 package romaine lettuce hearts (18 to 20 ounces)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 anchovy fillets roughly chopped (optional)
• 1 small garlic clove

Instructions

1. 1
   Make croutons: Preheat oven to 375°. Place bread on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil, and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Bake, tossing occasionally, until golden, 12 to 15 minutes; remove from oven; and let cool.
2. 2
   Make chicken: Heat remaining tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until opaque throughout, 1 to 2 minutes per side; remove from skillet and let cool.
3. 3
   Prepare lettuce: Cut romaine crosswise into 1-inch ribbons; wash and dry.
4. 4
   Make dressing: In a blender, combine lemon juice, mayonnaise, Parmesan, anchovy fillets (if using), and garlic; blend until smooth. If preparing this recipe in advance, see storage instructions (below).
5. 5
   If stored in refrigerator, bring chicken and dressing to room temperature. Slice chicken crosswise into strips; toss with croutons, lettuce, and dressing.