Salads

Chicken Caesar Salad

Name: Chicken Caesar Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup croutons; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated; ½ cup mayonnaise; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 anchovy fillets; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp 2–3 olive oil; Salt & black pepper, to taste

August 29, 2025

Servings: 4 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

The Chicken Caesar Salad is a timeless, refreshing, and hearty salad that brings together crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grilled or pan-seared chicken, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and the unmistakable tangy Caesar dressing. This dish is a perfect balance of protein, crunch, and creaminess, making it satisfying enough for a full meal while still feeling light and fresh.

The Caesar salad itself originated in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s by Italian-American restaurateur Caesar Cardini, but adding chicken transformed it into a protein-packed modern classic enjoyed worldwide.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet gourmet. The combination of tender chicken with the bold, creamy Caesar dressing makes every bite irresistible. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent but is still on the lighter side, which makes it perfect for both lunch and dinner.

Another reason I love it is its versatility—make it with homemade croutons for extra crunch, use grilled chicken for smoky depth, or keep it quick with pan-seared chicken. It’s customizable, but always delicious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Wholesome Meal: Balanced with protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
Universal Appeal: A classic that never goes out of style.
Customizable: Easily adapted for different tastes and dietary needs.

This is one of those recipes everyone should have in their kitchen repertoire.

Recipe Information

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: ~450 kcal

Cuisine & Course

Cuisine: Italian-American
Course: Salad / Main Course

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

For the Caesar Dressing (Homemade Option):

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
1 garlic clove, minced
2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste, optional but traditional)
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2–3 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

Season and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked.
Chop romaine lettuce and place in a large bowl.
Whisk together Caesar dressing ingredients.
Toss lettuce with dressing, top with sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan.
Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mash anchovies (if using) with garlic.
Add mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
Slowly whisk in olive oil until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl.
Toss with dressing until evenly coated.
Add sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Serve

Divide among plates or serve in one large salad bowl.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge on the side.

How to Serve

Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Pair with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread for a fuller meal.
As a starter, serve smaller portions before pasta, steak, or seafood.

Additional Recipe Tips

Always rest cooked chicken before slicing to keep it juicy.
Use freshly shaved Parmesan for the best flavor.
Homemade croutons (toss bread cubes in olive oil, garlic, and bake until golden) take this salad to the next level.
If you don’t want raw garlic’s bite, roast or sauté it first for milder flavor.

Variations

Grilled Chicken Caesar: Use grilled chicken for smoky flavor.
Kale Caesar: Substitute kale for romaine for extra nutrition.
Shrimp Caesar: Swap chicken with grilled or sautéed shrimp.
Lightened-Up Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing.
Wrap It Up: Turn the salad into a Chicken Caesar wrap with tortillas.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Dressed Salad: Best eaten immediately, as lettuce wilts quickly.
Chicken: Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for 3–4 days or frozen for 2 months.
Croutons: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment Needed

Skillet or grill pan (for cooking chicken)
Sharp knife & cutting board
Large salad bowl & tongs
Whisk (for dressing)

Conclusion

The Chicken Caesar Salad is a true classic that combines freshness, crunch, and hearty satisfaction in one bowl. With its tender chicken, creamy garlicky dressing, crisp lettuce, and crunchy croutons, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to time and again. Perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or a side dish at gatherings, this recipe proves that simplicity and elegance can go hand in hand.

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