A fresh, flavorful chicken Cesar salad that feels a little elevated but comes together with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weekdays, slow summer lunches, or those nights when you want something comforting without turning on the stove for hours.
Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, salty parmesan, crunchy croutons, and tender chicken all layered together into one of those meals that somehow feels both refreshing and satisfying all at the same time.
This version is especially perfect for warmer months because it leans on convenience without sacrificing flavor. Using store-bough cooked chicken keeps things simple making this recipe ideal for quick lunches, or easy dinners.
The secret
Anchovies are what give Caesar dressing its signature savory flavor. They melt right into the dressing and add richness without tasting overly “fishy.” If you want the classic restaurant-style Caesar flavor, they’re worth adding.
Why you’ll love this Chicken Caesar Salad
- Quick and easy to make
- Perfect for spring and summer meals
- Uses convenient store-bough cooked chicken
- Restaurant-style flavor at home
- Great for meal prep or entertaining
- Easy to customize with add-ins and toppings
What you’ll need from the market
- I like this mayonnaise
- one head of romaine lettuce
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon
- Parmesan Cheese
- Anchovies (I like this brand)
- Worcestershire Sauce
- day old bread
- olive oil
Tips fo the best Caesar salad
- Use cold, crisp lettuce
- Toss right before serving to avoid soggy lettuce and croutons
- Fresh parmesan gives the best flavor
- Add croutons last
Variations
The salad is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand.
- avocado
- bacon
- soft boiled eggs
- cherry tomatoes
- pasta
Frequently asked questions
Can I make chicken Caesar salad ahead of time? Yes, just store the dressing separately until ready to serve so the lettuce stays crisp.
What chicken works best? Rotisserie chicken is very convenient and is seasoned perfectly for this salad.
Can I use store-bought dressing? Absolutely! Homemade is so delicious though. I recommend trying that if you have the time.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled, divided
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 6 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1.73 ounces anchovie (5) fillets, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil or more to coat bread
- 3 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
Instructions
- Crisp up your romaine lettuce: run leaves under cold water to rinse. Wrap in paper towels and keep in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Cut bread in to cubes - about 2 or more cups. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and bread cubes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir constantly until toasted on the edges. Add additional oil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Remove breast meat from cooked chicken. Chop in to bite size pieces/cubes. Set aside.
- Make dressing. In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine - add extra lemon juice if desired.
- Remove lettuce from the refrigerator and chop in to bite size pieces. Add to your favorite salad bowl.
- Add salad dressing and toss.
- Add toasted croutons, chicken, and remaining Parmesan cheese. Toss gently and serve up!
Notes
I used this mayonnaise
