Chicken Caesar Salad
Juicy grilled chicken and crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing made from scratch. Topped with crunchy homemade croutons and shaved Parmesan, this is a restaurant-quality classic you can easily make at home.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the homemade croutons
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until evenly coated.
- d.Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- e.Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp. Set aside to cool.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare and grill the chicken
- b.Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub with 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- c.Season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- d.Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- e.Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- f.Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into strips.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the Caesar dressing
- b.In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, minced garlic, minced anchovies, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- c.While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
- d.Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and serve the salad
- b.In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce with about three-quarters of the dressing and toss gently to coat.
- c.Divide the dressed lettuce among four bowls.
- d.Top with the sliced grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and extra shaved Parmesan cheese.
- e.Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your romaine lettuce is completely dry before tossing with dressing to prevent a soggy salad.
- 2For a creamier dressing, you can use a blender or immersion blender to emulsify the olive oil.
- 3Don't skip resting the chicken! It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
- 4The anchovies are key to the classic umami flavor of Caesar dressing. Mince them very finely so they dissolve into the dressing.
- 5You can make the dressing and croutons a day ahead. Store the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge and the croutons at room temperature.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Use a lean cut of chicken, go light on the dressing, and add more fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumber.
vegetarianVegetarian
Omit the chicken and anchovies. Add roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi for protein and a pinch of capers for a salty kick.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken and pre-made croutons to save time on cooking and baking.
high proteinHigh protein
Add a hard-boiled egg to each salad for an extra boost of protein.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Lean Protein
Grilled chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Romaine lettuce provides vitamins A and K, while garlic offers immune-boosting properties. Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium.
Healthy Fats
Olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
It can be a healthy, balanced meal. It's rich in protein from chicken and vitamins from lettuce. The homemade dressing is healthier than many store-bought versions, but it is still high in fat and calories. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.