Spicy Chicken Caesar

@greasygirlgoneclean

Don't be intimidated by the size of this recipe. It's actually extremely simple and totally worth it! 

SPICY CHICKEN CASHEW CAESAR
Serves 4

FOR THE CHICKEN SEASONING
-2 tsp smoked paprika
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1 tsp chillies
-1 tsp Himilayan Sea salt

FOR THE DRESSING
-1 cup raw organic cashews
-The juice of 2 lemons, the grated rind of 1 lemon (plus a 3rd lemon, if you want to serve with a lemon wedge)
-3 large cloves of garlic
-1/2 tsp himilayan sea salt
-1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
-1 + 1/4 cup cup water

FOR THE SALAD
-1-2 heads of Romain depending on how much salad you like!
-3 large chicken breasts or 4 small

FOR THE CROUTONS - optional
-2 pieces of Ezekiel bread (or gluten free bread) cut into cubes
-Olive oil
-Himilayan sea salt and pepper to taste 

PREP:
Place cashews in glass measuring cup & cover with the water and let's soak for 1 to 2 hours. Technically this is optional, but your dressing will be SO much creamier if you take the time to do this step! 

While nuts are soaking, wash and trim romain and set aside.

Then mix all chicken spices together and set aside.

Chop chicken breasts into 1 inch cubes & set aside. 

Grate the rind of one lemon, then juice it and 1 other lemon. Set aside.

Mince garlic cloves. Set aside.

METHOD: 
Place soaked cashews and water into a blender (I use a nutribullet). Add the lemon juice, lemon rind, minced garlic cloves, and salt and pepper. Blend all till smooth. Add extra water if needed to desired consistency 1 tsp at a time. Set aside.

Toss chicken with spices in a skillet and cook until done. Usually about 15 min over med heat. Do NOT add any oil or the spices won't stick to the chicken & will get clumpy. 

Grab another skillet and spray with olive oil ( I use a misto for this), then toss in Ezekiel cubes, and spray with a little more olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook bread on low- med heat, stirring snd flipping often until nice and firm and slightly browned on both sides, careful not to burn it! 

Toss romain with dressing. Serve salad on plates, top with chicken & croutons. Serve immediately :) 

Fix portions : 1 serving is 1 red, 1 blue, 1/2 yellow, and 2-3 greens depending on how much lettuce you like! 
Enjoy!