Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade, crunchy)
• ¼ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Sliced avocado (optional)
• Crispy bacon bits (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)