Salads
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A really good chicken Caesar salad comes down to two things: a properly seasoned, well-charred piece of chicken and a Caesar dressing made from scratch instead of poured from a bottle. This version pairs juicy grilled chicken with crisp romaine, shaved parmesan and crunchy croutons in a garlicky, anchovy-based dressing that tastes far better than takeout.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Homemade Caesar dressing in 5 minutes
- Substantial enough for a full dinner
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Easily made gluten-free by skipping croutons
Instructions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season with olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, parmesan, anchovy, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon and pepper. Thin with water, one tablespoon at a time, until pourable.
- Toss the chopped romaine with two-thirds of the dressing until evenly coated.
- Divide the dressed romaine among plates, top with sliced chicken, croutons and shaved parmesan, and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
How to tell it's done
Pounded breasts cook quickly. After about 5 minutes on the first side, they should release easily from the grates with clear grill marks. Check the thickest part with a thermometer: 165°F (74°C) means it's done. Let the chicken rest for the full 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay in the meat instead of running onto the cutting board and wilting the lettuce.
Tips for success
- Anchovy is what gives Caesar dressing its signature savory depth — it won't taste fishy, just rich and umami.
- Chill the romaine before tossing for the crunchiest, crispest salad.
- Make the dressing up to 4 days ahead; it keeps well refrigerated in a sealed jar.
- For extra char flavor, grill the romaine halves cut-side down for 1-2 minutes before chopping.
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Mayonnaise base: this is a shortcut version of the classic raw-egg dressing, which makes it safe for everyone and stable in the fridge. Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a tangier, lighter dressing.
- Anchovies: anchovy paste in a tube keeps for months in the fridge. A dash of Worcestershire sauce (which contains anchovy) also adds a similar savory note.
- Romaine: hearts of romaine are crisper and have less waste than full heads. Wash and dry them thoroughly, because water on the leaves dilutes the dressing.
- Croutons: to make your own, toss cubed day-old bread with olive oil and garlic powder and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Storage & reheating
Dressed salad doesn't keep, so only dress what you'll eat. Store the sliced chicken, dry chopped romaine, croutons and dressing separately. The chicken and lettuce last 3-4 days in the fridge, and the dressing up to 4 days. Grilled chicken is good cold here, so there's no need to reheat it.
Make ahead & freezing
Grill the chicken and make the dressing up to 3 days ahead, and wash and chop the romaine a day ahead (wrap it in a paper towel inside a bag). This makes an easy packed lunch if you keep the dressing in a small separate container. Neither the dressing nor the dressed salad freezes well.
What to serve with it
It's a full meal as is. For a bigger dinner, serve it with a cup of tomato soup, garlic bread, or a simple pasta with olive oil and lemon.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?
Yes, substitute 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami depth without using anchovy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you omit or use gluten-free croutons; the dressing and chicken are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?
Absolutely — sliced rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that still tastes great with the homemade dressing.
How long does homemade Caesar dressing last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it keeps well for about 4-5 days.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 398 |
| Protein | 36g |
| Carbs | 10g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Sodium | 640mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
Nutrition values are estimates calculated from the ingredient list and will vary with the exact brands and portion sizes you use.
More in: Chicken Salad Recipes Grilled Chicken Recipes
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