Best Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Croutons
A flavorful and satisfying salad combining grilled chicken, crispy homemade croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
Croutons
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for croutons)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1 clove garlic, grated (for croutons)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste salt and pepper (for croutons)
- 4 cups ciabatta bread cubes
Chicken
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for chicken)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, grated (for chicken)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (for dressing)
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan (for dressing)
- 1 clove garlic, grated (for dressing)
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (for dressing)
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salad
- 2 heads romaine lettuce (roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (for salad)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bake 13-15 minutes until golden.
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper for 2 hours.
- Grill chicken 4-5 minutes per side until cooked; rest and dice.
- Whisk mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Combine romaine, chicken, croutons, and dressing; toss gently. Top with Parmesan and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, add anchovies or a squeeze of lemon before serving.