The Ultimate Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe combines juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this classic dish is easy to customize and packed with protein and flavor. Whether you're looking for a healthy meal or a crowd-pleasing salad, this homemade Caesar salad is a must-try!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier version
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 anchovy fillets mashed (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
For the Homemade Croutons (Optional but Recommended)
- 2 cups day-old bread cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice.
- Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from heat, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, minced garlic, and mashed anchovies.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt & black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Make the Homemade Croutons (Optional but Recommended)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss the cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with half of the dressing until evenly coated.
- Add the grilled chicken slices, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Drizzle with more dressing as desired and gently toss.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!