Easy and Irresistible Chicken Caesar Salad You’ll Absolutely Love

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a well-made Chicken Caesar Salad. Crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crunchy golden croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing come together in a dish that’s light, flavorful, and packed with protein. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, planning a weeknight dinner, or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers freshness and comfort in every bite.

Today’s post walks you through how to make the perfect Chicken Caesar Salad with homemade croutons—simple, delicious, and sure to become a go-to favorite.

“This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.”

What is Chicken Caesar Salad?

Chicken Caesar Salad is a hearty twist on the classic Caesar salad. It features chopped romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and tender grilled chicken breast. The homemade croutons, made from fresh bread, elevate the texture and flavor, making this dish more than just a side—it becomes a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love It

Fresh and filling: With lean chicken breast, this salad keeps you full without weighing you down.
Homemade goodness: The crunchy croutons and dressing made from scratch bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home.
Quick to make: It takes under 30 minutes and can be made ahead for busy days.
Customizable: Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even roasted chickpeas for a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Pair it with a cup of tomato soup or garlic bread for a cozy combo.
Make it a wrap: Add the salad to a tortilla for a satisfying Caesar chicken wrap.
For parties, serve it in mini cups as a fresh and fun appetizer.

Ziploc Quart Food Storage Freezer Bags…

One 75 count box of Ziploc Quart Freezer Bags perfect for storing fresh food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, …
Ziploc brand Freezer Bags include a Stay Open Design – they stay open when you want them to, making them really easy to …
They’re easy to open and close thanks to Grip n’ Seal technology, which also helps to lock in freshness so the food and …

See it on Amazon

Ingredients

For the croutons:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 clove garlic, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
4 cups ciabatta bread cubes

for the chicken:

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
1 clove garlic, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

for the dressing:

¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

for the salad:

2 heads romaine, roughly chopped
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Make the Croutons

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, parsley and garlic, season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Stir in olive oil mixture and gently toss to combine.
Place into oven and bake until crisp and golden, about 13-15 minutes; set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and olive oil mixture; marinate for at least 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Drain the chicken from the marinade. Preheat grill to medium high heat.
Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
Let cool before dicing into bite-size pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Lettuce

Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop it into bite-size pieces.

Step 4: Make the Caesar Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon and Worcestershire, season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine chopped lettuce, sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently until well coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with extra Parmesan, lemon wedges
Serve immediately for best texture.

Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, Square, 10.5 Inch

YOUR NEW GO-TO GRILL PAN: Lodge cast iron cookware is the perfect kitchen tool for beginners, home cooks and chefs. Cast…
SEASONED COOKWARE: Seasoning is simply oil baked into the iron, giving it a natural, easy-release finish and helps preve…
RUST? DON’T PANIC! IT’S NOT BROKEN: When your pan arrives you may notice a spot that looks like rust. It is simply oil t…

$24.90

See it on Amazon

Nutrition Per Serving

(Based on 4 servings)

Calories: 638 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 44g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 109mg
Sodium: 546mg
Potassium: 536mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2.5g

Note: Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet – USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality…

Naturals bakeware is made of pure aluminum for superior heat conductivity and produces consistently evenly browned baked…
These premium pans are built for lifetime durability, ensuring they will never rust, providing you with long-lasting use…
Encapsulated galvanized steel rims stand strong against warping, preserving the shape and quality of your pans through n…

See it on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is more than just a salad—it’s a fresh, flavorful meal you’ll want to make again and again. From the crispy croutons to the savory grilled chicken, every bite is packed with texture and taste. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this salad is a delicious choice that’s always a winner.
Don’t forget to check out our recommended kitchen tools and recipes on our website, myhomewish.com, to streamline prep and elevate your cooking game.