Hey y’all! If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and crave-worthy, this Chicken Caesar Salad recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture tender, juicy chicken atop crisp romaine, tossed in a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing with crunchy homemade croutons and a shower of Parmesan. This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a potluck—light, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Salad
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with protein and crisp veggies for a satisfying, balanced meal.
- Homemade Caesar dressing elevates every bite with rich, tangy flavor.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a hearty side.
- Customizable for different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Chicken Caesar Salad Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 2 heads)
- 1/2 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups homemade or store-bought croutons
- For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional for authentic flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Refrigerate until ready to use for best flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with desired amount of Caesar dressing.
- Add sliced chicken, croutons, and shaved Parmesan.
- Gently toss again, or arrange toppings for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes for Making the Best Chicken Caesar Salad
- Try grilling the chicken for a smoky twist, or use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- For ultra-crispy croutons, make your own by tossing cubed bread with olive oil and baking at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Learn how from Serious Eats.
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of some mayo in the dressing.
Chicken Caesar Salad Variations
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Grill the chicken breasts instead of baking for smoky flavor.
- Kale Caesar Salad: Substitute half or all the romaine with shredded kale for extra nutrients.
- Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Omit chicken and anchovy paste; add roasted chickpeas or extra veggies.
Required Equipment for Chicken Caesar Salad
- Baking sheet or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Salad spinner (optional but recommended for crisp lettuce)
- Whisk
Chicken Caesar Salad Storage Instructions
- Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftover dressed salad is best eaten within 1 day, as the lettuce may wilt.
- Keep Caesar dressing in a sealed jar for up to 5 days; shake before using.
Chicken Caesar Salad Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a warm baguette or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside a light soup, like tomato basil or minestrone.
- Add a glass of crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) for an elegant touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Caesar Salad
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best nutty-salty flavor—learn more about cheese selection at Cheese.com.
- Toss lettuce with dressing just before serving to keep it ultra-crisp.
- Slice chicken against the grain for extra tenderness and better texture.
Chicken Caesar Salad FAQ
- Can I make Chicken Caesar Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep components ahead and assemble just before serving for best texture. - Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Absolutely, but homemade dressing offers fresher, more robust flavor. Check out this classic Caesar Salad recipe from Bon Appétit for inspiration. - Is Chicken Caesar Salad healthy?
With lean chicken and plenty of greens, it can be a nutritious choice—read more at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
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2Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
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3In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
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4Top the dressed lettuce with sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
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5Drizzle with lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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