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Grilled chicken Caesar salad featuring golden-brown homemade croutons offers a delicious and easy meal.
Lady Maria

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad elevates the classic dish with smoky grilled chicken and crispy, homemade croutons. Dressed with a creamy Caesar dressing, it's a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for summer gatherings or a special weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups cubed bread day-old French bread or sourdough
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs oregano, basil, thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil optional
  • 1 head Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, crispy bacon

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • whisk
  • baking sheet
  • Spatula
  • Grill
  • small bowl
  • meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • knife
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. **Prepare the Croutons:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cube the bread into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Add the bread cubes and toss well to coat. Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
  2. **Grill the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken breasts. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
  3. **Make the Caesar Dressing:** In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until smooth. If desired, slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to thin the dressing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, and homemade croutons. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and any optional toppings you desire. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy croutons, use day-old bread. Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling will enhance its flavor and tenderness. Make the Caesar dressing ahead of time to allow the flavors to develop. Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, but add the dressing just before serving to prevent the croutons from becoming soggy. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the croutons or a drizzle of hot sauce to the Caesar dressing for a spicy kick.