Chicken Caesar Salad

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Chicken Caesar salad is a classic favorite. While you pretty much can’t go wrong with any Caesar salad, nothing tops a really nice homemade version. This simple, yet elegant Caesar salad salad recipe is perfect for packed lunches also. Store bought dressing has its place, but there's nothing better than this homemade Caesar salad recipe. You can also serve it with soup, pasta, bread or potatoes for a full dinner.

Even with freshly cooked chicken and a homemade dressing, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes. The dressing is so delicious you may even want to double your batch and save a little for dipping other snacks and dishes throughout the week!

Why You'll Love This Chicken Caesar Salad

• Filling and Satisfying - This chicken Caesar salad will leave you feeling great. From its nutritional benefits, to the variety of texture, to the heartiness of the chicken, it can be a meal all its own.

• Custom Caesar Salad - One great thing about Caesar salad is how easy it is to add in other elements. Enjoy it as is or add in cubed apples, dried cranberries, tomatoes, onion, avocado, egg, bacon and beyond.

Ingredients for Caesar Salad Recipe

Chicken - You will need 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts. For the best quality salad, avoid pre-cooked chicken, and stick with fresh, raw chicken breasts.
Olive Oil - You will need about 1 tbsp olive oil to cook your chicken.
Salt and Pepper - Season your chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. Start with about ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper.
Paprika - Paprika adds a little zest without taking over the flavor profile of your Caesar salad. You should season your chicken breasts with about ½ tsp paprika.
Garlic - Garlic goes a long way in adding a savory base note to your flavor profile. You will need 1 tsp garlic powder for your chicken breasts.
Lettuce - Chicken Caesar salad usually contains romaine lettuce. You should wash and trim or chop 2-3 heads of romaine for this dish.
Optional Garnishes - You may wish to serve your Caesar salad with fresh lemon wedges, shaved freshly grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs or croutons, or anchovies.

Salad Dressing:

Garlic - Not only is it delicious, but garlic is also antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. For the dressing, you will need 3 cloves of fresh garlic.
Dijon Mustard - Dijon is part of what gives Caesar its signature flavor. You will need 1 tbsp. If you are like me, you may wonder if the rest of the bottle will sit in your refrigerator until it goes bad. Some other great uses for dijon are roasting veggies, creating marinades or glazes, potato salad, or in aioli for sandwiches!
Red Wine Vinegar - You will need 1 tbsp red wine vinegar. If you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Tabasco - ½ tbsp tabasco brings a subtle spice and tang to your Caesar dressing.
Parmesan - You will need ½ cup grated parmesan in your dressing, in addition to any shredded or grated parmesan you may choose to include in your actual salad.
Anchovy Paste - Anchovies get a bad rap, but they are one of the quintessential Caesar ingredients. You will need 2 tbsp. For folks with a fish allergy, you may wish to substitute 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce.
Lemon Juice - Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity. You will need 2 tbsp.
Salt and Pepper - You will need about ⅛ tsp each of salt and black pepper.
Mayonnaise - Mayonnaise is the base to your dressing, so you will need 1 cup.

Substitutions

• For egg allergies, substitute a plant-based mayonnaise, or 1-2 avocados.

• If you forgo the anchovies, you may wish to sprinkle some capers into the salad. You can also have a cup freshly grated parmesan for the side to add more flavor.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad

In a food processor, combine the dressing ingredients.
Process until smooth. You may add water as needed for desired consistency. Set aside for later.
Season chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
In olive oil, sear chicken over medium-high heat to brown both sides. Approximately 8-9 minutes on each side for larger breasts and 5-6 on each side for smaller.
Let chicken rest for about 10 minutes before slicing for salad.
Create a bed of the cleaned and trimmed romaine lettuce on the serving dish. Once made, then layer with cooked chicken, dressing, and garnishes. Enjoy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by making your Caesar dressing. Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a food processor, or high-powered blender. If the consistency is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out. Set aside.

Season your chicken with the salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika.

Pour your olive oil into a pan and heat over medium-high. Sear your chicken breasts on both sides. It will take between 5-9 minutes per side, depending upon the size.

Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes. Then slice.

Assemble! Place your lettuce on your serving dish. Then, add your chicken and dressing. Garnish as desired and enjoy!

Cook's Tips

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F.
If you have an extra 30 minutes, try marinating your chicken in your favorite flavors. You can make a basic marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper.

Storage Instructions

Leftover dressing will keep for up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Salad will last 2 days in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Use your dressed salad as a filling for wraps, for a quick, grab-and-go lunch.
Feeding a group? Have fun offering a variety of mix-ins to shake up the classic Caesar. Some great options include: avocado, hard boiled egg, bacon, tomatoes, onion, croutons, dried cranberries, diced apple, grapes, diced jalapeno, capers or buffalo sauce.

FAQ:

Is a Chicken Caesar salad healthy?

Chicken Caesar salads are nutritious and satisfying. They offer a great dose of protein, healthy fat, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

What does a chicken Caesar salad contain?

Chicken Caesar salads typically include grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and a Caesar dressing. They also often contain parmesan and croutons. This recipe includes a healthier version, but there is always room to add those components.

Can I use precooked chicken in a Caesar salad?

I like cooking my own fresh chicken breasts to keep things juicy and healthy. However, if you are short on time or looking for a way to reuse leftovers, you can always repurpose your leftover rotisserie chicken in a Caesar salad.