Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

There’s a reason this recipe is called the Best Chicken Caesar Salad—it combines perfectly grilled chicken, crisp romaine, crunchy homemade croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing that elevates a classic favorite to restaurant-quality levels. With a bit of prep, this salad becomes a meal that’s refreshing, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The homemade croutons add a garlicky crunch that store-bought versions just can’t match, and the grilled chicken brings the perfect protein to balance the crisp greens.

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend gathering, this salad hits all the right notes: fresh, creamy, savory, and utterly craveable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy, flavorful homemade croutons
• Grilled chicken marinated in lemon and garlic for juicy flavor
• Creamy Caesar dressing made from scratch
• Balanced, satisfying meal in a single bowl
• Can be prepped ahead for easy weekday lunches or dinner
• Crowd-pleasing classic with a homemade twist

Recipe Overview

Course: Main Course / Salad
Cuisine: American / Italian
Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chicken marinating)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Damn Delicious

Ingredients Breakdown

Croutons

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

Chicken

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

Dressing

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan, for topping

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cast iron grill pan or outdoor grill
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Large salad bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Croutons

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, chopped parsley, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread ciabatta cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Drizzle olive oil mixture over the bread and toss gently to coat.
5. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until croutons are crisp and golden. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper.
2. Place chicken in a large Ziploc bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, turning occasionally.
4. Drain chicken before cooking.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat grill or cast iron grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Allow chicken to rest, then dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. Place chopped romaine in a large bowl.
2. Top with grilled chicken and homemade croutons.
3. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Croutons can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
• Alternative Proteins: Use rotisserie chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
• Add-Ons: Cherry tomatoes, avocado, or crispy bacon can enhance the salad.
• Dressing Adjustment: For a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.
• Grill Alternative: Pan-sear chicken on the stove if you don’t have a grill.

Flavor Profile

• Crispy & Garlicky: Homemade croutons add crunch and a fresh garlic note.
• Tangy & Creamy: Caesar dressing balances creaminess with a hint of lemon acidity.
• Juicy & Savory: Lemon-garlic marinated chicken adds protein and depth.
• Fresh & Crisp: Romaine lettuce provides refreshing crunch in every bite.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (~1/4 of salad):

• Calories: 550–600 kcal (depending on amount of dressing and croutons)
• Protein: ~35 g
• Carbohydrates: ~25 g
• Fat: ~35 g
• Fiber: ~4 g
• Sodium: ~600 mg

Dietary Notes:

• Gluten in croutons (can use gluten-free bread)
• Contains dairy
• Nut-free

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Croutons: Store in airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Can be made 1–2 days in advance and refrigerated.
• Chicken: Marinate and grill ahead; store in fridge for up to 2 days.

FAQs

Can I use romaine hearts instead of whole heads?
Yes, they work perfectly and save prep time.

Can this salad be stored assembled?
It’s best to keep croutons and dressing separate until serving to maintain crispness.

Is it possible to make a lighter dressing?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or until cooked through.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Task	Time
Prep Croutons	5 minutes
Bake Croutons	13–15 minutes
Marinate Chicken	2 hours
Grill Chicken	10 minutes
Assemble Salad	5 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Serve the chicken Caesar salad with:

• Extra lemon wedges for brightness
• Garlic bread or baguette slices
• Light chilled white wine or sparkling water for a meal pairing

Ingredient Spotlight

Ciabatta Bread

Perfect for crisp croutons with airy texture. Stale or day-old bread works best.

Fresh Garlic & Lemon

Fresh ingredients elevate the dressing and chicken marinade with authentic, bright flavors.

Parmesan

Use freshly grated Parmesan for creamy depth and umami.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when making croutons—they crisp better individually.
• Let grilled chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
• Whisk dressing well to emulsify and avoid separation.
• Toss salad gently to avoid bruising romaine leaves.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~580 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Fat	35 g
Fiber	4 g

Conclusion

The Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is a perfect blend of textures, flavors, and freshness. From garlicky croutons to juicy lemon-garlic chicken and creamy Caesar dressing, this recipe turns a classic salad into a satisfying, meal-worthy dish. Perfect for entertaining, weeknight dinners, or healthy lunches, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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