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Crispy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Homemade Dressing

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A flavorful Caesar salad featuring crispy grilled chicken, fresh Romaine lettuce, and a tangy homemade dressing with garlic and anchovies. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that balances textures and bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
  • 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1 large head Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
  • Extra Parmesan shavings for garnish
  • Optional: fresh ground black pepper on top

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and brush both sides with olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder if using. Let rest for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until hot.
  3. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl or blender, combine minced garlic, chopped anchovies, egg yolks, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk or blend until smooth.
  6. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a creamy emulsion. Stir in grated Parmesan. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Chop Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl. Add croutons and toss gently.
  8. Slice the rested grilled chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add to the salad bowl.
  9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is lightly coated.
  10. Sprinkle extra Parmesan shavings and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and crispy.

Notes

Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Whisk olive oil slowly into dressing to avoid breaking emulsion. Dress salad just before serving to keep lettuce crisp. Use fresh eggs or pasteurized yolks for safety. Croutons can be homemade or store-bought; gluten-free options available.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, grilled chicken, homemade dressing, crispy chicken, healthy salad, easy recipe, quick dinner

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/crispy-grilled-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-with-easy-homemade-dressing/