Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: A Classic with a Smoky Twist

Written by Sarah Gardner

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a great way to do something a little different with a classic dish! This salad offers the perfect balance of smoky, char-grilled chicken, creamy, tangy Caesar dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons. Whether you're looking for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner, this salad elevates the classic Caesar into a meal that feels indulgent and fresh.

Grilled Chicken Caesar salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American, Italian, Mexican
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • cutting board and knife

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Salad

  • 2 large heads of romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1 cup croutons store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar Dressing

  • 1 egg yolk or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise if avoiding raw egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them rest for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the dressing and salad.
    raw chicken breast placed on a clean cutting board

Prepare the Caesar Dressing

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
  2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until smooth and completely blended.
  3. Stir in grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Adjust the consistency with a teaspoon of water if needed.

Grill the Chicken

  1. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Salad

  1. In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with half of the Caesar dressing.
  2. Arrange the salad on plates or a serving platter. Top with sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and shaved Parmesan.
  3. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad, or serve it on the side.

Pairings

This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime. Serve alongside garlic bread or a cup of soup, like creamy tomato or minestrone, to round out the meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. Is there a shortcut for the dressing?

Store-bought Caesar dressing works in a pinch, but making your own provides unmatched freshness and flavor.

3. Can I make this vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian alternative.

4. What if I don’t have a grill?

A grill pan or even a hot skillet will do the trick. You can also bake the chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Copyright 2025 The Hungry Goddess, all rights reserved.