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Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons in a wooden bowl

Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Grilling and Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Truly the best Chicken Caesar Salad with crispy homemade croutons, juicy grilled chicken, and a creamy, tangy dressing.


Ingredients

Scale

For the croutons:

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • Kosher salt and 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 black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the dressing:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

For the salad:

  • 2 heads romaine, chopped
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, parsley, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet, toss with oil mixture, and bake 13–15 minutes until golden and crisp. Set aside.

3. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper for the marinade.

4. Combine chicken and marinade in a bag or bowl. Marinate for at least 2 hours, turning occasionally. Drain before cooking.

5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Cool and dice.

6. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, and Worcestershire. Season to taste.

7. In a large bowl, combine romaine, chicken, and croutons. Add dressing and toss gently to coat.

8. Top with additional Parmesan and serve immediately.


Notes

Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor if time allows.

Use day-old bread for extra crispy croutons.

You can substitute grilled shrimp or salmon for the chicken.

Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 38g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg