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Fresh Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Crispy Parmesan

fresh caesar salad with grilled chicken - featured image

A quick and easy fresh Caesar salad featuring smoky grilled chicken, crisp Romaine lettuce, creamy homemade Caesar dressing, and crispy Parmesan crisps for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Romaine lettuce hearts, washed and chopped
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g), trimmed
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for the crisp and salad)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling chicken)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (light mayo or Greek yogurt for a tangier option)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor in dressing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • Optional: freshly ground black pepper (for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and brush lightly with olive oil. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the chicken on the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side (about 12 minutes total), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spoon small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) of grated Parmesan cheese, spreading slightly into thin circles. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until golden and crisp. Let cool completely to crisp up.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Thin with a teaspoon of water or lemon juice if needed.
  5. In a large bowl, toss chopped Romaine with about 3/4 of the dressing until evenly coated. Add sliced grilled chicken on top, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese, and arrange Parmesan crisps over the salad. Add croutons if using and finish with a fresh crack of black pepper.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for best crisp results. Let grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Make dressing ahead and refrigerate up to 2 days. Store Parmesan crisps in airtight container at room temperature to keep crisp. Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Avoid overdressing the salad to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, grilled chicken, Parmesan crisps, easy salad recipe, homemade dressing, quick lunch, healthy dinner