Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup of croutons
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Steps and instructions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden and fully cooked. Then, let them cool and slice them into thin strips.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, shredded Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
To prepare the Caesar dressing, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
Whisk these ingredients together until they are fully mixed.
Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss it until all the ingredients are coated.
Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
Serve the Chicken Caesar Salad immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.

Tools for making

Skillet - Used to cook the chicken breasts
Knife - Needed to slice the cooked chicken into thin strips
Large Bowl - Used for mixing the salad ingredients
Whisk - Used to combine the Caesar dressing ingredients
Spatula - Helps to flip and handle the chicken while cooking
Measuring Spoons - Needed to measure the salt, pepper, and other ingredients accurately

Recipe variations

Grilled Chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, you can grill it for a smoky flavor.
Shrimp Caesar Salad: Substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or roasted bell peppers.
Crunchy Topping: Replace croutons with crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts for added texture.
Whole Wheat Croutons: Use whole wheat bread to make healthier croutons.
Light Dressing: Make a lighter version of the Caesar dressing by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Grated Asiago or Pecorino Romano Cheese: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with these flavorful alternatives.
Gluten-free Option: Use gluten-free croutons or omit them altogether to make the salad gluten-free.
Grilled Romaine: Try grilling the romaine lettuce for a charred and smoky flavor.
Caesar Wrap: Instead of serving the salad in a bowl, wrap the ingredients in a tortilla for a portable and convenient meal.

Recipe overview

This Chicken Caesar Salad recipe is a classic and simple dish that is packed with flavors. Start with seasoned, grilled chicken breasts that are sliced and laid atop a bed of crispy romaine lettuce. The salad is sprinkled with shredded Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons for added texture. The star of the dish is the homemade Caesar dressing, made with garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise, which is generously drizzled over the salad. This salad makes a perfect lunch or light dinner that's not only delicious but also healthy. With this recipe, you can bring a restaurant-quality Caesar Salad to your own dining table!

Common questions

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe? Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe. Simply slice the pre-cooked chicken into thin strips and add it to the salad.
Can I substitute the romaine lettuce with a different type of lettuce? While romaine lettuce is traditionally used in a Caesar salad, you can substitute it with other leafy greens like kale or spinach if you prefer.
Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can make the Caesar dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give it a good whisk before using it for the salad.
Can I omit the croutons or use a different type of croutons? Yes, you can omit the croutons if desired or substitute them with your preferred type or flavor of croutons.
Can I add other toppings to the salad? Absolutely! You can customize your Chicken Caesar Salad by adding additional toppings such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, or sliced avocado.
How long can I store the leftovers? It is recommended to consume the salad immediately for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - Used for cooking the chicken breasts.
Bowl - Used for mixing the salad ingredients and dressing.
Whisk - Used for combining the Caesar dressing ingredients.
Knife - Used for slicing the cooked chicken breasts.
Tongs - Used for tossing the salad and serving the chicken.
Measuring Spoons - Used for measuring the salt, pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Origin stories

Contrary to common belief, the Caesar Salad does not draw its name from the famous Roman Emperor, but from Italian-American chef Caesar Cardini. Cardini invented the salad in 1924 in Tijuana, Mexico where he owned a restaurant in the tourist destination to "attract Americans frustrated by Prohibition". The exact story is somewhat muddled, but the most accepted one is that over Fourth of July weekend, Cardini's restaurant was filled with hungry guests and he was running low on food. To make do with what he had, he concocted a salad with the remaining ingredients in his kitchen. This spontaneous dish ended up being a hit, and thus the Caesar Salad was born. The original recipe included romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan cheese, boiled eggs, olive oil and Worcestershire sauce, but Cardini’s brother later added anchovies to the recipe. It's peculiar how the dish, now known as a classic American staple, has roots that are both Italian and Mexican.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.