Enjoy hearty grains topped with grilled chicken, avocado, crisp romaine, and tangy Caesar dressing for balanced flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup uncooked quinoa or brown rice
02 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
→ Chicken
03 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 ounces total)
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Salad & Toppings
09 - 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
10 - 1 large ripe avocado, sliced
11 - 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1/2 cup croutons
→ Caesar Dressing
14 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
15 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
17 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
18 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
19 - 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
20 - 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
21 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Rinse quinoa or brown rice thoroughly under cold water. Combine grains and water or chicken broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower to a simmer, cover, and cook until grains are tender (approximately 15 minutes for quinoa, 35 minutes for brown rice). Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Coat chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing crosswise.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, anchovy fillets (if desired), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until fully integrated and creamy.
04 - Divide cooked grains evenly between 4 serving bowls. Layer with chopped romaine lettuce, sliced grilled chicken, avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, and croutons.
05 - Drizzle each bowl with Caesar dressing immediately before serving. Toss gently to combine ingredients if preferred.
