There’s nothing I love more than quick and easy salad when I’m craving something healthy… but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I make everything from scratch (don’t worry, it’s super easy!) because nothing beats the taste of homemade dressing and croutons! It’s a 30-minute meal perfect for lunch or dinner and can easily be doubled for a crowd.
What’s in This Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe?
Even though everything is made from scratch, this chicken Caesar salad recipe still has under 10 ingredients!
Chicken: I use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for this salad. Chicken thighs will also work well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also an option to cut down on prep. Spices: Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper season the chicken breasts and add a ton of flavor. Olive Oil: This helps the chicken cook evenly, crisps up the homemade croutons, and is an essential ingredient in the Caesar dressing. French or Italian Bread: This will be used to make the croutons. You can use any type of bread you have on hand, but I prefer French or Italian bread because they give the perfect crunch. Parmesan Cheese: I add Parmesan to the croutons and the salad for that classic chicken Caesar salad flavor. You can use freshly grated or store-bought shredded Parmesan. Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds some acidity to the dressing and really brings all the flavors together. Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy kick to the dressing. Garlic: Can’t have Caesar dressing without garlic! Use pre-minced garlic or mince it yourself. Anchovy Fillets: These add a rich, salty flavor to the dressing. If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can use capers instead. Romaine Lettuce Hearts: Chopped romaine lettuce is sturdy enough to hold the dressing and toppings without getting soggy.
Variations To Try
I’ve kept this recipe pretty traditional and decided against adding any extras. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy mixing things up every once in a while! Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado are some of my favorite additions, but you can add whatever veggies you have on hand. Crispy bacon pieces are also a welcome addition for a little smoky flavor!
How to Store
I usually batch-cook each component (dressing, croutons, and chicken) and then assemble the salad as needed. Here’s how to properly store each part:
Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap it in foil and reheat in the oven if you want to serve it warm. Croutons: Cool croutons completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Dressing: Homemade Caesar dressing will keep for 4 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
How to Freeze
I freeze my chicken breasts in individually wrapped portions so I can easily defrost one or two at a time. They’re good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To freeze the croutons, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them come to room temperature before using. I usually pop them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
Notes and Tips
Feel free to use leftover chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for this salad. I know anchovies are an acquired taste! 1 tablespoon of capers is a good substitute for the anchovy paste in the dressing. A grill pan works great for grilling the chicken, but a skillet can also be used.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad Step by Step
Make the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 375℉. While the oven preheats, lay 4 cups of cubed French or Italian bread onto a baking tray. Drizzle the bread cubes with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Toss to coat and bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Season the Chicken: While the croutons cook, season 2 chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the Chicken: Grill the chicken in a hot grill pan for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove from the heat and let the chicken rest. Make the Dressing: As the chicken cooks combine 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 2 garlic cloves (minced), and 3 anchovy fillets (mashed into a paste) in a large bowl. Mix well until combined. Assemble the Salad: Chop 2 romaine lettuce hearts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat the lettuce in the dressing and serve on 4 plates. Slice the cooked chicken and add it to each plate. Top with the croutons and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
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title: “Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-02” author: “William Wynder”
What’s in this Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe?
There are so many reasons why a chicken Caesar salad has been so popular for so many years. The creamy and tangy dressing, the crunchy croutons, and that juicy chicken breast… What’s not to love?! It’s time to make your lunchtimes tastier!
Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative to mayonnaise, it provides creaminess and tanginess without as much fat. Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and savory element to the salad, enhancing its overall flavor. Lemon Juice: Provides brightness and tartness that cuts through the richness of the dressing. Olive Oil: Makes the dressing smooth and rich. Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of spiciness and depth to the dressing. It also helps to emulsify the oil and vinegar. White Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness to the dressing. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor to the dressing. Anchovy Paste: A classic ingredient and key element in Caesar dressing, it adds a rich, savory, and slightly briny taste. Salt + Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor of the dressing. Garlic: Adds an aromatic flavor to the dressing. Romaine Lettuce: Serves as the salad’s crisp and refreshing base. The leaves are sturdy and hold up well to the creamy dressing. Cooked Chicken Breasts: Adds extra protein to the dish, turning this salad into a full meal. Croutons: Add a satisfying crunch to the salad.
Pro Tip: Feel free to add your favorite veggies and toppings, such as chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or torn kale.
Variations on Caesar Salad with Chicken
You can really use any kind of chicken for this recipe! A classic Caesar salad usually has pan-seared or grilled chicken breasts, but I also love Instant Pot shredded chicken, air fryer chicken breast, crispy baked chicken fingers, baked chicken thighs, or oven-fried chicken breast.
How to Store
While caesar salad is best enjoyed on the day it is made, it will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Beyond that, it will begin to wilt and turn slimy. I do not recommend freezing this salad, as the greens will turn soggy.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken Caesar salad recipe makes for a great little lunch or appetizer, but you can easily serve it up with favorite sides like Homemade Garlic Bread, Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, Crockpot Twice Baked Potatoes, or Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
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