Description
This Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons features perfectly grilled chicken breasts atop crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade garlic croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. It’s a deliciously satisfying salad that’s easy to prepare, combining fresh ingredients with rich Parmesan cheese and classic Caesar flavors for a perfect meal or lunch option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Salad
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons
- 4 cups cubed French or sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2–3 tablespoons water to thin, if needed
Instructions
- Prepare Croutons: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder until evenly coated. Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Make the Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste (if using), minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water a little at a time to thin the dressing to your preferred consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, sliced grilled chicken, homemade croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use day-old bread for croutons to achieve extra crunchiness.
- Anchovy paste adds authentic Caesar flavor but can be omitted or replaced with capers for a milder taste.
- Leftover Caesar dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
