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Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650
A flavorful and satisfying salad combining grilled chicken, crispy homemade croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing.

Ingredients

Croutons

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for croutons)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 clove garlic, grated (for croutons)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Kosher salt and black pepper (for croutons)
  • 4 cups ciabatta bread cubes

Chicken

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for chicken)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 clove garlic, grated (for chicken)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Kosher salt and black pepper (for chicken)
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dressing

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 clove garlic, grated (for dressing)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (for dressing)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Salad

  • 2 heads romaine (roughly chopped)
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (for salad)

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper; bake until golden, 13-15 minutes.
  • Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 2 hours.
  • Grill chicken 4-5 minutes per side until cooked; rest and dice.
  • Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper for dressing.
  • Combine romaine, chicken, croutons, and dressing; toss gently. Top with Parmesan and serve.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken longer or add anchovies to the dressing.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Caesar, Chicken, Salad