There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-made Chicken Caesar Salad—crisp romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and that creamy, garlicky dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this classic recipe never disappoints. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Salad

This Chicken Caesar Salad is a winner for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile—you can serve it as a main course or a side dish. Second, it’s loaded with protein from the grilled chicken, making it both delicious and filling. The homemade dressing is rich and tangy, far superior to store-bought versions, and the crisp romaine adds the perfect crunch. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, saving you time and effort.

Ingredients & Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:

For the Salad: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 large head of romaine lettuce, 1 cup croutons, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Dressing: ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment: Mixing bowls, whisk, grill pan or skillet, salad spinner (optional), sharp knife, cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the sliced chicken, croutons, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to coat.
Serve: Divide the salad among plates and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Enjoy immediately!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated Parmesan and homemade croutons elevate the flavor significantly.
Don’t Overdress: Start with half the dressing, toss, and add more as needed to avoid a soggy salad.
Grill for Extra Flavor: If possible, grill the chicken for a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Add Anchovies: For an authentic Caesar twist, mash 2-3 anchovy fillets into the dressing.

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the undressed salad, chicken, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing may thicken when chilled—just stir in a teaspoon of water to loosen it before serving. Avoid freezing, as the lettuce will wilt.

Creamy Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Sophia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2–3 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Chicken Caesar Salad with juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup croutons

Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice thinly.

4. In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat.

5. Add sliced grilled chicken and croutons on top of the salad.

6. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before grilling.

Use homemade croutons for extra crunch and freshness.

This recipe serves 2–3 as a main dish or 4 as a side.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Creamy Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe You’ll Want to Make Every Week