Frequently asked questions
As cookbook authors, we’ve researched and tested to create the very best way to make chicken Caesar salad at home! Strips of seasoned and Parmesan-coated pan seared chicken breast sit atop a salad with homemade creamy, zingy Caesar dressing. Top with the a shower of more Parmesan and the crunch of garlicky homemade croutons and you’ll be amazed! To simplify, you can swap in a few purchased elements into this formula, too.
Chicken breast (or cutlets): Buy boneless skinless chicken breast, organic if at all possible. If the chicken is not sold in cutlets, butterfly the chicken. Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese make up the seasonings for the pan seared chicken. You can substitute regular paprika or omit the Parmesan cheese if desired, though they both add quite a bit of savory nuance to the flavor. Croutons: Homemade croutons are best, with bread torn into pieces. This helps it to catch dressing in its nooks and crannies, making an even tastier Caesar salad! Romaine hearts: Romaine lettuce is the classic leafy green for Caesar salad: its crunch and sweet flavor are irreplaceable, in our opinion. However, one classic substitution is using kale to make a Kale Caesar Salad. Parmesan cheese shreds or shavings: Either Parmesan shreds or shavings work to provide a texture contrast to the other salad ingredients. Caesar dressing: You can use purchased or homemade dressing, but this recipe for Caesar dressing recipe really is next-level. You’ll need mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (optional), garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce or anchovy paste, salt, and pepper.
Our recipe has two version: one with mayonnaise, and a variation with both mayo and Greek yogurt. We usually make this version because it’s a little lighter and has a nice tang to the flavor. If desired, you can omit the anchovy paste. It adds that classic Caesar flavor, but it’s not required. Worcestershire sauce works as a substitute, but it still tastes great without it! If you don’t have time to make the dressing, substitute your favorite purchased brand.
Purchase quality chicken. In some commercially raised chickens, the breast muscle becomes harder and denser than normal, resulting in a mushy texture when cooked. Purchase the highest quality chicken breast you can find, organic if possible. Cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F when measured with a food thermometer. Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can dry it out. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This ensures maximum juiciness. Swap in a purchased component or two for ease. You can use purchased dressing, chicken, or croutons, but we suggest making at least one or two of the components homemade for the best flavor.
Chickpeas: Make Canned Chickpeas or Crispy Chickpeas for Chickpea Caesar Salad. Salmon: Use canned, baked salmon, seared salmon, or smoked salmon for Salmon Caesar Salad. Shrimp: Add sauteed shrimp to make Shrimp Caesar Salad. Grilled Chicken: Top with Grilled Chicken instead. Tofu: Top with Baked Tofu or Crispy Tofu. Vegan: Make Vegan Caesar Dressing for Vegan Caesar Salad. Kale: Make Kale Caesar Salad. Wrap: Make a Chicken Caesar Wrap.
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2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1 1/2 pounds, organic if possible), butterflied or cutlets 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese Freshly ground black pepper 3 tablespoons olive oil
For the salad
2 cups Homemade Croutons (with bread torn into pieces; omit or use GF croutons for gluten-free) 3 romaine hearts (or 1 large head romaine) ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or a mix of shredded and shaved) 1 recipe Caesar Dressing
Anchovy paste really does add that classic Caesar to the Caesar dressing, but Worcestershire sauce works too (or a Worcestershire substitute). If all you can find is whole anchovy fillets, blend 2 anchovy fillets to make 1 teaspoon anchovy paste. Keep in mind that anchovy paste has added vinegar and spices and is milder in flavor. Add different proteins to this salad to make it work for different diets, like Canned Chickpeas, Baked Salmon, or Sauteed Shrimp. For vegan, use Vegan Caesar Dressing.
