Name: Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Extra-virgin olive oil; Chopped fresh parsley leaves; Garlic, grated; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; Ciabatta bread cubes; Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Freshly squeezed lemon juice; Lemon zest; Mayonnaise; Buttermilk; Freshly grated Parmesan; Freshly squeezed lemon juice; Dijon mustard; Worcestershire sauce; Romaine lettuce, roughly chopped; Freshly grated Parmesan

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Caesar Salad is loaded with flavor from the seasoned homemade croutons, juicy grilled chicken, and a rich, tangy Caesar dressing made from scratch. The croutons add an irresistible crunch, while the grilled chicken makes it a filling meal. Best of all, it’s easy to make with fresh ingredients that elevate this classic salad to the next level.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the croutons:

extra-virgin olive oil
chopped fresh parsley leaves
garlic, grated
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
ciabatta bread cubes

For the chicken:

extra-virgin olive oil
freshly squeezed lemon juice
lemon zest
garlic, grated
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the dressing:

mayonnaise
buttermilk
freshly grated Parmesan
garlic, grated
freshly squeezed lemon juice
Dijon mustard
Worcestershire sauce
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
freshly grated Parmesan

directions

For the croutons:

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the bread cubes and toss gently to combine.
Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the croutons are crisp and golden. Set aside.

For the chicken:

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, add the chicken and the olive oil mixture. Marinate for at least 2 hours, turning the bag occasionally.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Let the chicken cool before dicing it into bite-size pieces.

For the dressing:

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

For the salad:

In a large bowl, place the chopped romaine lettuce. Top with the grilled chicken and homemade croutons.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for extra flavor.
Caesar with a Twist: Add avocado slices for a unique twist on the traditional Caesar.
Lighter Dressing: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter version of the dressing.
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or roasted tofu for a vegetarian option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The croutons can be stored in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. When serving leftovers, be sure to toss everything together again, as the dressing may wilt the lettuce.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought croutons?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought croutons, but homemade ones add a delicious, fresh crunch that takes the salad to the next level.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight to let the flavors develop even more.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work perfectly in this recipe, and they tend to stay juicier.

How do I make the dressing creamier?

If you prefer a thicker, creamier dressing, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or reduce the buttermilk.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I substitute for ciabatta bread for the croutons?

You can use any bread you like, such as baguette, sourdough, or even a gluten-free bread option.

Can I make this salad without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or on a grill pan instead of on an outdoor grill.

How do I keep the croutons from getting soggy?

Add the croutons to the salad just before serving to keep them crispy.

How do I store leftover croutons?

Store leftover croutons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Is this salad gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread for the croutons and ensure that the dressing ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is everything you love about a classic Caesar salad, but with the added touch of homemade croutons, grilled chicken, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion—whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With its fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite!