Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Creamy Dressing

Romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, Parmesan, croutons and creamy Caesar dressing.

Total 35 minMakes 4 servings
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This chicken Caesar salad pairs crisp romaine, toasted croutons and Parmesan with sliced chicken and a creamy, savoury dressing. The source gives several Caesar variations; this card follows its complete chicken version and keeps the anchovy and shrimp options separate. Use pasteurised egg or mayonnaise in the dressing, and cook chicken until its centre reaches 74°C (165°F). Dry the lettuce well and toss just before serving so the leaves stay crisp. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side, until the centre reaches 74°C (165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then slice. Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic and anchovy if using. Loosen with a teaspoon of water if thick.

Recipe card

Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Creamy Dressing

Prep 20 minCook 15 minTotal 35 minYield 4 servings
Only numbered ingredient amounts change.

Equipment: Measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, a sharp knife, and the pan or baking dish specified in the method

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken

    Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side, until the centre reaches 74°C (165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

  2. Mix the dressing

    Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic and anchovy if using. Loosen with a teaspoon of water if thick.

  3. Prepare the lettuce

    Wash and thoroughly dry romaine. Tear or chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.

  4. Toss the salad

    Add dressing gradually and toss to coat. Fold in croutons, most of the Parmesan and sliced chicken.

  5. Finish and serve

    Top with remaining Parmesan and serve straight away.

How to tell when it is ready

Top with remaining Parmesan and serve straight away.

Tips

  • Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic and anchovy if using.
  • Wash and thoroughly dry romaine.
  • Add dressing gradually and toss to coat.

Troubleshooting

  • If dressing is too thick, thin it with cold water a teaspoon at a time.
  • If lettuce softens, dry it thoroughly and dress only at serving.

Substitutions

  • Use thick plain yoghurt for part of the mayonnaise.
  • Omit anchovies for a milder dressing.

Variations

  • Add grilled prawns as a separate variation.
  • Use a few extra anchovies for a stronger savoury dressing.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with extra Parmesan.
  • Add lemon wedges at the table.
  • Pair with tomato soup.
  • Offer cracked black pepper.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Refrigerate chicken and dressing separately for up to 3 days. Assemble salad just before serving; dressed lettuce and croutons do not keep well.

Storage

Refrigerate chicken and dressing separately for up to 3 days. Assemble salad just before serving; dressed lettuce and croutons do not keep well.

Food safety

Cook chicken to 74°C (165°F). Keep dressing chilled and refrigerate cut lettuce promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make Caesar salad ahead?

Prepare chicken and dressing ahead and refrigerate separately. Toss with lettuce and croutons just before serving.

How should I store chicken caesar salad?

Refrigerate chicken and dressing separately for up to 3 days. Assemble salad just before serving; dressed lettuce and croutons do not keep well.

Serve with extra Parmesan. Refrigerate chicken and dressing separately for up to 3 days. Assemble salad just before serving; dressed lettuce and croutons do not keep well.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

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