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Classic Chicken Caesar Salad - Crisp, Creamy, and Comforting

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Romaine lettuce: 2 large heads, washed, dried, and chopped
  • Chicken breasts: 2 medium, boneless and skinless
  • Olive oil: 4 tablespoons, divided
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (plus 1 clove for croutons)
  • Lemon juice: 2–3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Anchovy fillets or paste: 2–3 fillets or 1 teaspoon paste (optional but classic)
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Mayonnaise: 1/3 cup (for creaminess and stability)
  • Greek yogurt (optional): 2 tablespoons (to lighten the dressing)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, finely grated for dressing, plus shaved for topping
  • Bread for croutons: 3 cups of 1-inch cubes (sourdough or baguette works best)
  • Butter: 1 tablespoon (for croutons)
  • Extra lemon wedges: for serving

Method
 

  1. Season and cook the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, or pan-sear in a skillet until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
  2. Make the croutons. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add bread cubes and a small pinch of salt. Toss until the edges begin to brown, 5–7 minutes. In the last minute, add 1 minced garlic clove and toss just until fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  3. Whisk the dressing base. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, anchovy (if using), Dijon, Worcestershire, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. Add mayonnaise and Greek yogurt (if using), then whisk in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Stir in finely grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust lemon to taste.
  4. Prep the romaine. Wash, spin dry, and chop into bite-size pieces. The leaves should be very dry so the dressing clings. Keep chilled until assembly.
  5. Toss the salad. In a large bowl, add romaine and enough dressing to lightly coat. Toss gently with tongs, then add more dressing if needed. Fold in half the croutons and a handful of shaved Parmesan.
  6. Top and finish. Add sliced chicken on top, scatter remaining croutons, and finish with extra shaved Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges and cracked black pepper.