Classic Chicken Caesar Salad

I started making Chicken Caesar Salad when I realized restaurant versions never had enough dressing for my liking. Standing at my kitchen counter whisking together the creamy mixture, watching it thicken into something velvety and golden, I finally understood why people obsess over getting it just right.

My friend Sarah stayed over during a particularly chaotic week and I threw this together using whatever I had in the fridge. She stopped mid-bite, put her fork down, and demanded I write down exactly what I'd done. Now it's our emergency dinner whenever life gets overwhelming.

Ingredients

• Romaine lettuce: The crisp texture and slight bitterness create the perfect backbone for rich dressing
• Grilled chicken breasts: Grilling adds smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the creamy Caesar flavors
• Croutons: Essential crunch factor that soaks up dressing while maintaining texture
• Shaved Parmesan: Using a vegetable peeler creates delicate ribbons that melt on your tongue
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: This combination creates the luxurious restaurant-style consistency
• Anchovy fillets: The secret ingredient that gives authentic depth without tasting fishy
• Fresh lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and brightens every single bite

Instructions

Grill the chicken to perfection:

Season generously with salt and pepper, then grill over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side until juices run clear and the interior reaches 165°F. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips against the grain.

Whisk together the dressing:

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced anchovies, garlic, grated Parmesan, and Worcestershire sauce until completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning until it hits that perfect balance of tangy and savory.

Dress the lettuce:

Place chopped romaine in a large salad bowl and drizzle with enough dressing to lightly coat every leaf while tossing gently with tongs.

Assemble with care:

Arrange sliced grilled chicken over the dressed lettuce, then scatter croutons and shaved Parmesan across the top like a finishing touch.

Serve immediately:

Bring the whole bowl to the table with extra dressing on the side and let everyone dig in while the croutons still have their crunch.

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There's something deeply satisfying about standing at the counter with a bowl of this salad, hearing the crunch of the first bite and watching the dressing coat each leaf perfectly. It transformed from a simple dinner into the meal that reminds me slow down and actually enjoy what I'm eating.

Making It Your Own

I've discovered that swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt creates a lighter version that still feels indulgent. The tanginess works beautifully with the anchovies and lemon, and nobody at my table has ever noticed the difference.

Timing Matters

The biggest lesson came from serving this too early at a dinner party once. The croutons had turned to mush by the time everyone sat down. Now I dress the lettuce at the very last moment and keep the toppings separate until serving.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy dressing while complementing the grilled chicken. For a complete meal, add some roasted vegetables or a crusty baguette on the side.

• Keep extra anchovy paste in your fridge for easy dressing prep
• Room temperature lettuce absorbs dressing better than cold leaves
• Use day-old bread for croutons that stay crisp longer

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Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones we return to again and again. This Chicken Caesar Salad has earned its permanent place in my dinner rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated. Grill and slice chicken beforehand, but assemble the salad just before serving to maintain crisp texture.

→ What can I substitute for anchovies?

For authentic umami flavor without anchovies, add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or capers. Alternatively, use fish sauce or simply increase Parmesan and garlic.

→ How do I make this gluten-free?

Replace regular croutons with gluten-free alternatives or toasted gluten-free bread cubes. Verify Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free, though most brands are safe.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves cooking time. Simply shred or slice the meat and arrange over dressed lettuce. It's an excellent shortcut.

→ How long does the dressing stay fresh?

Homemade Caesar dressing keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after a day, giving ingredients time to meld together.