Description

Experience the delightful combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors with the Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons. This recipe features crispy romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, and crunchy homemade croutons, all drizzled with a creamy Caesar dressing that elevates each bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a healthy meal option, this salad is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the flexibility to customize the ingredients to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups ciabatta bread cubes
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, grated
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss ciabatta cubes in olive oil, parsley, and garlic; spread on a baking sheet and bake for 13–15 minutes until golden.
Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, salt, and pepper for at least 2 hours.
Grill marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let cool before dicing.
Whisk together dressing ingredients in a bowl.
Assemble salad by combining chopped romaine with diced chicken and croutons; drizzle with dressing and toss gently.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking, Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salad (about 360g)
Calories: 490
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 22g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Customize your salad by incorporating cherry tomatoes or avocado. Serve immediately to maintain crouton crispiness.