This recipe features the most insane ingredient you've ever heard of when paired with chicken, but it works

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We've taken the standard Grilled Chicken and Caesar Salad to the next level with a new surprising ingredient. While the surprise ingredient is something you likely are already familiar with, you probably don't associate it with salads. This particular cooking technique has been around for decades. Specifically, the secret ingredient helps give the chicken more flavor than normal.
So are you ready for it?
The secret ingredient is...Sprite. Yes, that lemon lime soda.
Why do we use Sprite?
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While it may seem unconventional, Sprite brings a delightful twist to the marinade, enhancing the overall taste and tenderness of the chicken. This refreshing lemon-lime soda adds a subtle citrusy sweetness, which, combined with the tangy Italian dressing, creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The Sprite also helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in moist and juicy meat that is perfect for grilling.
The science behind why this works
The use of Sprite in marinades is not uncommon in cooking. The carbonation in the soda helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender texture. Moreover, the acidity in the Sprite acts as a natural meat tenderizer, making the chicken even more succulent. The combination of Sprite and Italian dressing infuses the chicken with a zesty and aromatic profile, elevating its taste to new heights. Paired with the classic Caesar Salad, this dish is a delightful harmony of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
Grilled Chicken with Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
For the chicken:
7 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
1/2 cup Italian dressing, adjust as desired
For salad:
1 Caesar bagged salad kit (Parmesan cheese, croutons, dressing included)
Of course, you can make your own.
Instructions:
1. Tenderize chicken so they are around 1-inch thick or so. In a zip loc bag, combine chicken, Sprite, and Italian dressing. Marinate overnight in fridge.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grates.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
5. Grill each chicken breast for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. While the chicken is grilling, prepare your Caesar salad mix according to its instructions.
7. Once the chicken is finished cooking, remove from the grill, let rest for a few minutes, and then slice.
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8. Serve the chicken with the Caesar salad.
Enjoy this mouthwatering and family-approved recipe with your loved ones!
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