Chicken Caesar Salad with Parmesan

The aroma of garlic and grilled chicken mingling with Parmesan takes me straight back to my first apartment after college. I'd invite friends over for what I called fancy dinner parties, but really it was just this chicken Caesar salad and whatever wine we could afford. Something about that combination of crisp romaine and savory dressing made us feel like proper adults having a sophisticated meal.

Last summer during a backyard gathering, my brother-in-law claimed he didnt like salads as main dishes until he tried this one. The look of surprise on his face after the first bite became our running joke for months. Now he specifically requests my chicken Caesar whenever they visit, and I pretend to be annoyed at being predictable while secretly loving that its become something of a signature dish.

Ingredients

• Anchovy paste: I was terrified of this ingredient for years until I realized its what gives Caesar dressing that mysterious umami depth - just a small amount transforms the flavor without tasting fishy.
• Romaine lettuce: The sturdy, crunchy leaves hold up beautifully against the creamy dressing without wilting too quickly, which Ive learned is key for a properly textured Caesar.
• Parmesan cheese: Please splurge on a block and shave it yourself - the pre-grated stuff simply doesnt have the same sharp, nutty impact that makes this salad special.
• Croutons: While store-bought work perfectly fine, I often cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and quickly toast them for rustic homemade croutons that add incredible texture.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

Brush those chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle when they hit the hot grill.

Master the grilling:

Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until you see those beautiful grill marks and the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest before slicing - this keeps all those flavorful juices from escaping.

Mix that magical dressing:

Whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, garlic and pepper until smooth and creamy. The aroma alone will make you want to dip a lettuce leaf for a taste test.

Assemble with care:

Gently toss the romaine with just enough dressing to coat each leaf without drowning it. The goal is for every bite to have the perfect balance of creamy and crisp.

Create the layers:

Add those crunchy croutons and half the Parmesan, giving everything another light toss. This distributes the flavors evenly throughout the salad.

Plate like a pro:

Divide the dressed salad between plates, artfully arrange those slices of warm chicken on top, and finish with a generous sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan. The contrast between the warm chicken and cool salad is absolutely delightful.

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The first time I made this for my partner, it was during that awkward early dating phase when you want to impress but dont want to seem like youre trying too hard. We ended up eating it straight from the mixing bowl while standing in the kitchen, laughing about how formal dining is overrated. That simple moment of shared enjoyment over crisp, dressed romaine and perfectly grilled chicken somehow felt more intimate than any restaurant date.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I add halved cherry tomatoes or diced avocado when I want to change things up. The avocados creaminess plays beautifully against the sharp dressing, while the tomatoes bring a burst of acidity that brightens each bite. These additions turn this classic into something that still feels familiar but with a personal twist that keeps it from feeling routine.

Quick Shortcuts

On particularly hectic weeknights, I grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and tear it into chunks instead of grilling chicken breasts. The slight difference in texture is barely noticeable, especially when youre rushing to get dinner on the table, and the rich flavor of the rotisserie seasoning actually complements the Caesar dressing surprisingly well.

Serving Suggestions

This salad transforms depending on how you serve it, which Ive discovered makes it incredibly versatile for different occasions. For casual family dinners, I serve it in a huge wooden bowl placed center table for everyone to help themselves, but for dinner parties, I portion it onto individual plates with the chicken sliced and fanned out prettily on top.

• Add warm, crusty bread on the side for a complete meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
• A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the dressing beautifully.
• For a lighter option, serve smaller portions as a side with grilled fish or a simple pasta dish.

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This chicken Caesar salad has become my reliable culinary companion through countless gatherings, quick dinners, and special occasions. Its the dish that taught me that sometimes the simplest combinations can create the most memorable meals.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy when grilling?

Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling, and avoid overcoking. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking—this allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

→ Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the Caesar dressing can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk before tossing with the lettuce, as the ingredients may separate slightly.

→ Is anchovy paste really necessary in Caesar dressing?

Anchovy paste is traditional and adds authentic umami depth, but it's optional. If you prefer to omit it, increase the Worcestershire sauce slightly and add an extra clove of minced garlic for complexity. The dressing will still be delicious.

→ What's the best way to store leftover salad?

Store the grilled chicken and dressing separately from the romaine and croutons. The lettuce and croutons will become soggy if dressed in advance. Keep components in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and assemble just before serving.

→ Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that reduces total preparation time to about 10 minutes. Simply shred or slice the chicken and skip the grilling step. The salad will still be flavorful and satisfying.

→ What wine pairs well with this salad?

Crisp white wines complement the creamy Caesar dressing beautifully. Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are excellent choices—their acidity cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate between bites.