Chicken Caesar Salad
A fresh and vibrant Chicken Caesar Salad featuring tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. This easy recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor and texture for a light lunch or quick dinner.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce washed and chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan-style cheese grated
- 1 cup croutons store-bought or homemade
For the dressing
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 anchovy fillets finely chopped (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan-style cheese grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare and Cook the Chicken
- Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove from the pan and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped anchovy fillets (if using), and grated Parmesan-style cheese. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Pour the dressing over the lettuce and toss well to coat every leaf. Add the sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan-style cheese, and scatter the croutons evenly.
Serve
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the lettuce and croutons.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Salad bowl
- Medium Bowl
Notes
Use fresh romaine lettuce for crisp texture. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Make your own croutons by toasting cubed bread in olive oil with garlic and herbs for extra flavor. Adjust dressing consistency with more yogurt or water if needed. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing. Anchovies are optional but add classic Caesar depth. Variations include grilling chicken, vegetarian options, adding a spicy kick, using different greens, avocado, or nuts. Store leftovers separately to maintain freshness.