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Fresh Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Homemade Croutons

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A fresh and satisfying grilled chicken Caesar salad featuring juicy smoky chicken, crisp romaine, creamy homemade dressing, and buttery homemade croutons. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups day-old bread cubes (about 4–5 slices; crusty bread like sourdough or Italian)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for lighter option)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to garnish
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter twist)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Make the Croutons: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Toss bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt. Toast in skillet, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts about 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  4. Mix the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, anchovy fillets, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce. Drizzle with two-thirds of the dressing and toss gently. Top with sliced grilled chicken, grated Parmesan, and homemade croutons. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and serve extra dressing on the side.

Notes

Reserve some croutons to add just before serving to keep their crunch. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy and easier to slice. Use day-old bread for croutons for best texture. Anchovies add authentic umami but can be omitted or substituted with Worcestershire sauce. Avoid overdressing salad to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken Caesar salad, homemade croutons, easy Caesar salad, grilled chicken recipe, healthy salad, quick dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/fresh-grilled-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-homemade-croutons/