Looking for the ultimate Chicken Caesar Salad recipe? This homemade Caesar salad with chicken and crispy croutons is a fresh, delicious twist on the classic! Featuring grilled chicken breasts marinated in lemon and garlic, paired with homemade croutons made from ciabatta bread, and topped with a rich Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, buttermilk, and Parmesan. This easy-to-make salad is a perfect meal for lunch or dinner and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients:
For the Croutons:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups ciabatta bread, cut into 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 lettuce, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, for topping
Instructions:
For the Croutons:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the ciabatta bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over the cubes and toss gently to coat.
- Bake the croutons in the oven for 13-15 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. Set aside to cool.
For the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
For the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, grated Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For the Salad:
- In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Top with the grilled chicken and homemade croutons.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Finish by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Caesar Salad with homemade croutons is a delicious twist on the classic. The perfectly grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing come together for a salad that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. With fresh ingredients, zesty lemon, and a rich Parmesan dressing, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet light. Whether for lunch, dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe is always a hit!
Tips
- Marinate the chicken: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to let the flavors infuse into the meat.
- Grilled chicken: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or skillet.
- Make ahead: The dressing and croutons can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Crispier croutons: If you want extra crispy croutons, bake them a little longer, checking to make sure they don’t burn.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different bread for croutons: If you don’t have ciabatta, you can use sourdough or baguette for your homemade croutons.
- Dressing alternatives: For a lighter dressing, swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or use a store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time.
- Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and add grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Protein variations: Feel free to swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different protein.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made croutons?
Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought croutons can work, but homemade ones will give your salad a more fresh and personalized flavor.
How long can I store leftovers?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but the chicken and croutons can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Side dish: Serve with a side of garlic bread or a light soup to round out your meal.
- Pair with wine: This Chicken Caesar Salad pairs perfectly with a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
- Meal prep: If you’re meal prepping, keep the dressing and croutons separate from the salad to prevent sogginess.
Enjoy this Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons as a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
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