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Best Chicken Caesar Salad

Topic: Flavorful Vegetarian Recipes That Satisfy

This salad combines tender grilled chicken, homemade garlic croutons, and crisp romaine with a rich, creamy Caesar-style dressing. The anchovy, Dijon, and lemon in the dressing provide a bright umami snap, while roasted nuts and Parmesan shavings add texture and depth. It's a satisfying, protein-packed main suitable for fast weeknight meals, elegant lunches, or meal prep with components made ahead. Add other proteins or extra greens for your own twist and enjoy a restaurant-quality favorite at home.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
By racha Racha
Last modified on Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:33:23 GMT
A bowl of chicken Caesar salad. Bookmark
A bowl of chicken Caesar salad. | recipesbyracha.com

This hearty chicken Caesar salad has been my weeknight dinner solution for years, delivering restaurant-quality flavor with simple home ingredients. The perfect balance of crisp romaine, juicy grilled chicken, homemade garlic croutons, and creamy dressing creates a complete meal that satisfies every time.

I first made this recipe when trying to recreate my favorite restaurant Caesar salad at home during the pandemic. What started as a necessity has become our family's most requested dinner salad rotation, especially during busy weeknights when we need something substantial yet fresh.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: provides lean protein and becomes incredibly juicy when cooked properly
  • Sourdough bread: creates croutons with perfect texture and tangy flavor
  • Anchovy paste: adds authentic umami depth without any fishy taste
  • Fresh garlic: appears throughout the recipe as the aromatic foundation
  • Parmesan cheese: both in the dressing and as a topping provides rich savory notes
  • Romaine lettuce: offers the perfect crisp structure to hold up to other ingredients
  • Mayo based dressing: creates a silky emulsion without raw eggs
  • Nuts: add unexpected crunch and sweetness to balance the savory elements

Instructions

Prepare The Chicken:
Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create thin cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure a proper sear. The spice blend creates a flavorful crust that complements the Caesar dressing perfectly. Choose your cooking method based on convenience and availability.
Make The Croutons:
Start with slightly stale bread for the best texture. The garlic infused butter creates aromatic croutons that taste infinitely better than store bought versions. Watch them carefully in the final minutes of baking as they can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Allow them to cool completely for maximum crispness.
Blend The Dressing:
Combine all ingredients in one go for efficiency. The anchovy paste is crucial for authentic Caesar flavor without dealing with whole anchovies. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing considerably more than bottled versions. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving as the flavor will develop as it sits.
Assemble The Salad:
Toss romaine with just enough dressing to coat the leaves without drowning them. Layer components rather than mixing everything together for the most appealing presentation. Add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle heat.
A salad with chicken, bread, and lettuce.
A salad with chicken, bread, and lettuce. | recipesbyracha.com

The anchovy paste is my secret weapon in this recipe. While many people think they dislike anchovies, this ingredient disappears into the dressing while providing that distinctive umami richness that makes Caesar salad so craveable. Trust me, even anchovy skeptics will love this dressing.

Make Ahead Instructions

Prepare all components up to three days in advance for quick assembly throughout the week. Store the dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, where the flavors will actually improve over time. The cooked chicken stays juicy when refrigerated in an airtight container. Croutons can be stored at room temperature in a paper bag to maintain their crisp texture.

Serving Suggestions

Transform leftover components into a Caesar wrap by rolling everything in a large tortilla for a portable lunch. Serve alongside a cup of tomato soup for a classic soup and salad combination. For an elegant presentation, arrange whole romaine leaves on a platter and drizzle with dressing for a deconstructed Caesar that guests can eat with their fingers.

Customization Options

For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise in the dressing. Add grilled shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood variation. Incorporate kale or baby spinach with the romaine for added nutrition. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce in the dressing.

A bowl of salad with chicken and bread.
A bowl of salad with chicken and bread. | recipesbyracha.com

This is a dinner salad you’ll crave again and again. With crispy croutons, creamy dressing, and juicy chicken, each bite delivers total weeknight satisfaction.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Which cut of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but thighs may be used for extra juiciness and flavor.

→ Can I make components in advance?

Yes. Prepare chicken, croutons, and dressing separately, then assemble just before serving for peak freshness.

→ How can I keep croutons crispy?

Let baked sourdough cubes cool completely before storing or tossing with salad to maximize crunch.

→ Are there ways to customize this salad?

Swap chicken for shrimp or chickpeas, add seeds instead of nuts, or mix in greens like kale or spinach.

→ Is homemade dressing necessary?

Homemade provides vibrant flavor, but a quality store-bought version can also be used in a pinch.

→ What is the secret to the dressing's flavor?

Anchovy paste and fresh lemon juice deliver the signature savory-rich, tangy flavor that defines Caesar salads.

Best Chicken Caesar Salad

Juicy chicken, crunchy croutons, creamy dressing, and crisp romaine offer an elevated, hearty salad experience.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
By racha: Racha

Recipe Category: Vegetarian

Skill Level: Moderately Tricky

Culinary Style: American

Makes: 4 Servings (4 main-course salads)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Chicken

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Croutons

06 4 ounces sourdough bread, cut into 3/4 inch cubes (about 3 cups)
07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
08 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 2 garlic cloves, minced
10 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
11 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Dressing

12 1/2 cup mayonnaise
13 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
14 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
15 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
16 1 1/2 teaspoons anchovy paste
17 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
18 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
19 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
20 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Salad

21 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped (about 12 cups)
22 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, shaved, for topping (about 1/2 cup)
23 1/2 cup candied pecans or roasted cashews
24 Freshly ground black pepper, for finishing

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets. Pat dry thoroughly and rub with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Grill or sear over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Set aside to cool, then slice thinly across the grain.

Step 02

Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss sourdough cubes with melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring once, until deeply golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 04

Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until leaves are coated. Layer with sliced chicken, homemade croutons, shaved Parmesan, and nuts. Finish with freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Additional Tips

  1. Store all components separately for meal prep; combine just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
  2. For a vegetarian variation, replace chicken with roasted chickpeas and omit anchovy paste.
  3. Leftover salad components can be used as a wrap filling for a portable meal.

Must-Have Gear

  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Baking sheet
  • Oven

Potential Allergy Info

Check product labels for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan, butter, mayonnaise), eggs (mayonnaise), fish (anchovy paste), tree nuts (pecans, cashews), wheat (sourdough bread)

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is provided for guidance and isn’t a substitute for professional health advice.
  • Calories: 570
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Protein Content: 35 g