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Chicken Caesar Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad

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Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 20 min Servings: 4 Easy

Ingredients

Grilled Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Caesar Dressing

  • 2 anchovy fillets
  • mashed (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Salad & Croutons

  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce
  • chopped
  • 2 cups crusty bread
  • cut into ½-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for croutons)
  • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan for topping

Instructions

1

Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit while you prepare the dressing.

Seasoning raw chicken breasts with spices and olive oil on cutting board
2

Make the dressing: whisk together anchovy paste, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.

Whisking anchovy garlic lemon juice and mustard for caesar dressing in bowl
3

Add egg yolk and whisk to combine. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is creamy and emulsified. Stir in grated Parmesan.

Drizzling olive oil into caesar dressing while whisking to emulsify
4

Toss bread cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toast in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy.

Toasting bread cubes in skillet with olive oil until golden brown
5

Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

Grilling chicken breasts in cast iron skillet until golden with grill marks
6

Toss chopped romaine with dressing. Top with sliced chicken, croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Finished chicken caesar salad with grilled chicken croutons and parmesan on romaine

Personal Tips

  • ve served this to self-proclaimed anchovy haters and they never noticed. If you absolutely refuse, substitute 1 tsp soy sauce, but you
  • t dress the salad until the last second.** I learned this the hard way — dressed romaine wilts fast. Keep the lettuce, dressing, and chicken separate until you

Nutrition (per serving)

420 kcal
Calories
36g
Protein
12g
Carbs
26g
Fat
3g
Fiber

Nutrition (per serving): 1/4 of salad | USDA FoodData Central, calculated estimates

Tags

LunchChickenRomaineParmesanLemonGarlicAnchovyOlive OilGrillingStovetopHomemade DressingHigh ProteinLow CarbGluten Free Option

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make chicken caesar salad from scratch?
Season and grill chicken breasts, make a homemade dressing by emulsifying anchovy, garlic, lemon, mustard, egg yolk, and olive oil, toast croutons from bread cubes, then toss crisp romaine with dressing and top with sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan.
How do you make caesar dressing from scratch?
Whisk together mashed anchovy, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Add an egg yolk, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified and creamy. Finish with grated Parmesan.
Can you make caesar salad ahead of time?
Keep all components separate — store dressing in the fridge for up to 3 days, chicken for up to 3 days, and croutons in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Toss together only when ready to serve to prevent wilting.
What lettuce is best for caesar salad?
Romaine lettuce is the classic choice for its crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the rich dressing. Inner leaves are more tender, outer leaves add more crunch. Little Gem is a great alternative.
Is chicken caesar salad healthy?
It's high in protein (about 36g per serving from chicken and Parmesan) and provides fiber from romaine. The dressing is calorie-dense due to olive oil. According to the USDA, the egg yolk in dressing provides essential nutrients like choline. Use less dressing for a lighter version.

Dietary Restrictions

Allergens

Eggs (dressingcroutons may contain egg)Dairy (Parmesan cheese)Fish (anchovy in dressing)Gluten (croutons)Soy (Worcestershire sauce)

Not Suitable For

  • Vegans
  • People with egg allergies
  • Gluten-intolerant (unless croutons omitted)

Modifications

  • Omit croutons or use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version. Use a vegan mayo-based dressing and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free option. Replace anchovy with soy sauce for a fish-free dressing.

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