A Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is the kind of dish that never goes out of style. It blends crunchy romaine lettuce with juicy grilled chicken, savory Parmesan cheese, and crispy croutons, all tossed in a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing. Whether you’re serving it for a light lunch or as a hearty starter, this salad brings elegance and satisfaction in every bite.

The beauty of this Caesar Salad lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. The grilled chicken adds satisfying protein, while the creamy dressing ties all the textures together with a punch of umami. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like a special treat but takes minimal effort to make at home.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Grilling or pan-searing with a bit of olive oil and seasoning brings out the best in the chicken without overpowering the classic Caesar flavor profile.

Ingredients for the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: fresh lemon wedges for serving

How To Make the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Prep the Lettuce and Croutons

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Pat dry with a towel or use a salad spinner. If making homemade croutons, toast cubed bread in a skillet with olive oil until golden and crispy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve with a lemon wedge if desired.

How to Serve and Store Your Caesar Salad

Serve your Classic Chicken Caesar Salad fresh, ideally right after tossing with the dressing. It makes a great standalone meal or pairs well with a light soup or warm bread.

To store, keep the dressing separate and store the salad and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh when ready to eat to keep the croutons crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred or slice and toss into the salad.

What’s the best Caesar dressing to use?

You can use a high-quality store-bought dressing or make your own. Homemade Caesar made with anchovies, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon, and olive oil offers an authentic taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the chicken and add roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for protein.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free croutons and double-check your Caesar dressing to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes, prep the components ahead (chicken, lettuce, dressing) and assemble when ready to serve to maintain freshness.

What sides go well with Caesar salad?

It pairs well with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a bowl of tomato basil soup.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If you’re into hearty, flavor-packed salads like this one, check out these other crave-worthy recipes:

Broccoli Salad with a creamy tangy twist.
Mexican Zucchini and Ground Beef Skillet as a filling, warm salad alternative.
Blueberry Peach Feta Salad for a sweet and savory summer vibe.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts to pair with a side salad.
Cozy Chicken Vegetable Soup for a comforting duo.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board to revisit anytime: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

I’d love to hear how your Caesar salad turned out! Did you grill the chicken or use leftovers? Any twists you added? Share in the comments below so we can keep inspiring each other in the kitchen!

Classic Chicken Caesar Salad

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Classic Chicken Caesar Salad features grilled chicken breast over crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. A satisfying, quick meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

1. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill or pan-sear for 6–7 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.

2. Wash and chop romaine lettuce. Pat dry. If making homemade croutons, toast bread cubes in a skillet with olive oil until golden.

3. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan.

4. Drizzle with Caesar dressing just before serving and toss gently. Add lemon wedges if desired.