Hearty Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe / Tasty Classic

Crisp romaine lettuce meets its perfect partner in this light and zesty chicken caesar salad recipe that promises a delightful dance of flavors.

Tender grilled chicken nestles among emerald green leaves, creating a harmonious blend of protein and freshness.

The creamy dressing coats each ingredient with a luxurious touch, turning a simple salad into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty note that complements the juicy chicken pieces.

Crunchy croutons provide a satisfying texture that breaks through the smooth dressing.

This classic dish brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

You’ll love how quickly this salad comes together, making it perfect for a quick lunch or elegant dinner.

One bite will transport you to a sun-drenched patio, ready to savor every delicious moment.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Caesar Salad Ingredients You’ll Want on Hand

• Plain Greek Yogurt: Creamy foundation that adds tangy richness and healthy protein to the Caesar dressing.
• Garlic Cloves: Intense flavor booster that brings sharp, aromatic punch to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds freshness and balances the creamy texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing for smooth consistency.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and elevate overall flavor profile.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates substantial, filling component of the salad.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and traditional Caesar salad authenticity.

• Romaine Hearts: Crisp, classic lettuce base with delicate texture and clean, fresh taste.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds vibrant color, juicy sweetness, and refreshing contrast to the salad.
• Pita Breads: Versatile bread option that can be transformed into crispy croutons or served alongside.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity lubricant that helps cook chicken and enriches overall dish flavor.

Tools for Assembling a Chicken Caesar Salad

• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise cutting of chicken and lettuce.
• Zip-top bag: Perfect for marinating chicken evenly.
• Grill or skillet: Main tool for cooking chicken to perfection.
• Large mixing bowl: Used for tossing lettuce with dressing.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately portion dressing and ingredients.
• Microwave-safe plate: Necessary for warming pita bread.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken while cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Salad-Making Instructions That Keep It Crisp

• Flavor Foundation

Create a creamy yogurt-based sauce blending tangy and savory notes with garlic, lemon, and seasonings. Separate a portion for marinating chicken and reserve the rest for dressing.

• Chicken Preparation

Slice chicken into elegant strips and immerse in marinade. Allow flavors to blend in refrigerator for several hours, letting ingredients mingle and tenderize.

• Cooking Technique

Heat grill or skillet to perfect temperature. Cook chicken until golden and thoroughly heated, achieving a delectable caramelized exterior while maintaining juicy interior.

• Salad Assembly

Chop crisp romaine into delicate ribbons. Coat lettuce with signature yogurt dressing, creating a light and refreshing base for the meal.

• Pita Warmth

Gently steam pita pockets to enhance softness and release aromatic qualities. Open carefully, preparing for delicious filling.

• Final Presentation

Layer dressed lettuce, succulent grilled chicken, and fresh tomatoes inside warm pita. Drizzle additional dressing for an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Flavor Additions for Your Caesar Bowl

• Chicken Caesar Power Boost: Mix grated parmesan directly into the salad for extra flavor punch and a creamy texture that enhances every single bite.
• Protein Swap Magic: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or crispy tofu for a delightful protein alternative that keeps the salad exciting and versatile.
• Crunch Factor Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or homemade croutons over the salad to add unexpected texture and a satisfying crackle with each mouthful.
• Spice Level Adventure: Drizzle hot sauce, add red pepper flakes, or mix in some chopped jalapeños for those who love a zesty kick that transforms the classic Caesar profile.
• Leftover Transformation: Turn remaining chicken and salad into a wrap, stuff inside a pita, or toss with cold pasta for a quick next-day lunch that wastes nothing and tastes fantastic.

How to Serve Chicken Caesar Like a Pro

• Pita Pocket Perfection: Slice pita breads in half and create a delightful handheld meal that's easy to eat and packed with flavor. The warm, soft pockets cradle the zesty chicken and crisp lettuce beautifully.
• Picnic Party Platter: Arrange the salad components on a large platter, allowing guests to build their own pita pockets. This interactive serving style makes the meal fun and engaging for gatherings or family dinners.
• Mediterranean Mezze Twist: Complement the salad with quick sides like cucumber slices, kalamata olives, or a small dollop of tzatziki. These additional touches transform the dish into a Mediterranean-inspired feast that feels fresh and exciting.
• Quick Lunch Champion: Pack the components separately in meal prep containers for a convenient, delicious work or school lunch. Keep the dressing and chicken in separate compartments to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent soggy ingredients.

How to Store Chicken Caesar Without Wilt

• Smart Batch Preparation: Chop extra chicken and prepare extra dressing for quick weekday lunch additions. Store separately in airtight containers for easy meal assembly within 3-4 days.
• Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep prepared salad components separately to maintain crispness. Store chicken, lettuce, and dressing in individual sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 2-3 days.
• Freezer-Ready Marinade Hack: Prepare extra marinade and chicken strips in freezer bags for future quick meals. Label with date and contents, storing frozen marinated chicken for up to 1 month before cooking.
• Portable Lunch Strategy: Pack dressing in small leak-proof containers, lettuce in separate compartments, and chicken in another section to prevent soggy ingredients. Assemble just before eating for optimal texture and taste.

Creamy Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

This hearty chicken caesar salad blends crisp romaine lettuce with juicy grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, and classic caesar dressing. Homemade croutons and a sprinkle of fresh herbs ensure you savor each delicious bite of this timeless favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.25 lbs or 567 g)
• 4 white pita breads
• 2 hearts of romaine, cut into ½-inch ribbons
• 4 oz (113 g) cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) plain greek yogurt
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) dijon mustard
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper into a silky emulsion. Bifurcate the mixture, reserving half for salad dressing and setting aside the remainder for chicken marinade.
2. Chicken Marination: Slice chicken breasts into slender diagonal strips. Submerge strips in reserved marinade within a sealed zip-top bag, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for 3 hours to allow flavor infusion.
3. Chicken Cooking: Extract chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to equalize temperature. Ignite grill or skillet to medium-high heat, lightly lubricating cooking surface with oil. Grill chicken strips, rotating once, until exterior achieves golden-brown caramelization and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow meat a brief resting period before chopping into bite-sized segments.
4. Salad Assembly: Cleanse and shred romaine lettuce into delicate ribbons. Coat lettuce with reserved yogurt dressing, ensuring uniform distribution. Warm pita breads by enveloping in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30-45 seconds. Carefully bisect each pita pocket to create an ingredient receptacle.
5. Final Composition: Layer pita pockets with dressed lettuce, scatter quartered cherry tomatoes, and crown with grilled chicken pieces. Optional dressing drizzle enhances flavor profile. Serve immediately to capture the vibrant, fresh essence.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let chicken soak in yogurt mixture for minimum 3 hours to guarantee maximum flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
• Temperature Matters: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature, preventing foodborne illness and maintaining juicy consistency.
• Pita Warming Trick: Wrap pita breads in damp paper towels during microwaving to prevent drying out and create soft, pliable bread pockets for stuffing.

• Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 90mg