Description
This Chicken Caesar Salad recipe is a satisfying meal-sized salad packed with juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken breasts, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Ready in just 40 minutes, this bold and refreshing salad is perfect for easy summer meals, healthy lunches, or quick family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
- 8 cups romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 1/2 cups croutons
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon anchovy paste
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and Cajun seasoning, coating evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until a dark crust forms, about 5-6 minutes per side. Continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Slice: Remove chicken from heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Add Chicken and Dressing: Top salad with sliced chicken, drizzle with prepared Caesar dressing, and toss gently before serving.
Notes
Taste your Cajun seasoning before adding, as store-bought blends can vary greatly in saltiness. Dry lettuce thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. For a chicken caesar pasta salad variation, simply add cooked pasta before tossing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 897
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1314mg
- Fat: 64g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 48g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 62g
- Cholesterol: 189mg
Keywords: chicken caesar salad, chicken caesar salad recipe, crispy chicken salad, summer meals, healthy pasta salad