Description
The Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons is a must-try for salad lovers! This recipe features tender grilled chicken, crispy homemade croutons, and a creamy dressing that brings a burst of flavor to every bite. Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or gatherings, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Its versatility allows it to shine as both a main dish and a side, making it suitable for any occasion. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy the delightful mix of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups ciabatta bread cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for croutons)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for dressing)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 heads romaine (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). For the croutons, toss ciabatta bread cubes with olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce with sliced chicken. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Top with homemade croutons and extra Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (298g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg