This Chicken Caesar Salad features perfectly seasoned chicken and crisp romaine lettuce, topped with buttery parmesan and crunchy croutons. Everything gets tossed with homemade dressing that takes this salad to the next level of deliciousness.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Chicken Caesar Salad
• 🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad
• 💡 Tips for Making Caesar Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Is Chicken Caesar Salad Healthy?
• How Can I Tell If My Chicken is Done?
• How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
• Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
• How Can I Keep the Lettuce Extra Crisp?
• 🍽️ More Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Chicken Caesar Salad

• Perfectly seasoned tender and juicy chicken
• Crisp romaine lettuce
• Buttery parmesan cheese
• Crunchy homemade Italian seasoned croutons
• Tossed in a tasty Caesar salad dressing

There's just something extra satisfying about the crunch of a cool, crisp salad. But, what makes this recipe so special is that it starts with chicken breasts marinated in homemade Caesar dressing. This allows the creamy, tangy punch of flavors to infuse the chicken while making them super tender at the same time.

Topped with crunchy, homemade croutons and shaved parmesan, every bite of this salad is a mix of delicious textures and bold flavors. It's the kind of meal that’s both super satisfying and light, making it perfect for lunch or dinner. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

If you love entree-style salads that act as a meal in one, like this one, you should also try this Nicoise Salad or this Greek Salad Salmon.

🛒 Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Salad

• Chicken
• Romaine lettuce
• Homemade Caesar Dressing
• Croutons
• Parmesan Cheese
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Garlic salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large skillet
• Meat thermometer
• Salad bowl

🔪 How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad

Add the chicken to a food storage container, then pour ⅓ cup of the Caesar dressing over the chicken, reserving the rest for the salad.  Toss to make sure all sides of the chicken are well coated.  Cover and allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for 2-4 hours.

Prepare the croutons and allow them to cool while you cook the chicken.

Pat the chicken dry, then sprinkle with the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic salt and ground black pepper on both sides.

Heat a large skillet to medium and add in the olive oil.  Sauté the chicken for several minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

Cover and allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before slicing, while you prepare the salad.

Wash, dry and chop the romaine lettuce and add it to a large salad bowl.

Add the sliced chicken, croutons, parmesan cheese over the top of the lettuce.

Pour on the dressing.

Toss the salad to combine and serve while the chicken is still warm.

💡 Tips for Making Caesar Salad

• Allow time for marinating: For the juiciest and most flavorful chicken, make sure to marinate it for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to really soak in and keeps the chicken tender.

• Pat dry before cooking: Before seasoning and cooking the chicken, pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick better and ensures a nice, even sear in the skillet.

• Let the chicken rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken even more flavorful and moist.

• Prep the croutons ahead: You can make the croutons earlier in the day. This will save you a little time when it comes time to prepare the salad.

• Chill the salad bowl: For an extra touch of crispness, chill your salad bowl in the refrigerator before tossing the salad. This keeps everything colder and fresher for longer.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Once you've added the dressing, you'll want to serve the salad immediately. The romaine lettuce will begin to get soggy the longer it sits.

🍴 What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Salad

This salad is a complete meal, all in one. If you'd like, you can serve it with a slice of this Braided Herb Bread. For an appetizer, a cup of this Cream of Asparagus or this Carrot Lentil Soup are wonderful options.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Protein: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Lettuce: Try using kale or a mix of greens like arugula and spinach for a different texture and flavor.

• Croutons: Replace croutons with roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for a crunchy alternative.

• Avocado: Add slices of creamy avocado for extra richness.

• Bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a smoky, savory flavor.

• Hard-boiled eggs: For added protein, toss in sliced hard-boiled eggs.

• Grilled veggies: Include some grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to add depth and color.

Is Chicken Caesar Salad Healthy?

This salad is very healthy! It's packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the dressing, and vitamins and minerals from the fresh romaine. The homemade dressing also allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought versions.

How Can I Tell If My Chicken is Done?

The best way to ensure your grilled chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also check by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken breast; the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.

How Do I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Juicy?

Marinating the chicken for at least 2-4 hours and letting it rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps lock in the juices. Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F is key to keeping it tender without drying it out.

Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Caesar dressing up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a good stir before using.

How Can I Keep the Lettuce Extra Crisp?

After washing, dry the lettuce using a salad spinner or paper towels. You can also chill the lettuce in the fridge for about 30 minutes before assembling the salad for that extra crunch.

🍽️ More Salad Recipes

• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Greek Quinoa Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad