Description
Master the art of the classic Chicken Caesar Salad with this detailed recipe, featuring perfectly seasoned grilled chicken and crispy homemade croutons. Complete with a rich, creamy Caesar dressing made from scratch, this salad is a go-to for a satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Homemade Croutons:
- 4 cups cubed day-old bread (such as baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- For the Caesar Dressing:
- 2 large egg yolks (use pasteurized if concerned about raw eggs)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Salad:
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the chicken with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Pan-sear or bake the chicken until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Let rest before slicing.
- 2. Make the Croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy, flipping halfway.
- 3. Whip up the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Add water if needed for consistency.
- 4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce and shaved Parmesan cheese. Add the cooked and sliced chicken. Drizzle with about half of the Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed.
- 5. Serve: Divide salad among plates and top generously with homemade croutons.
Notes
Store dressing, croutons, and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g