Easy Chicken Caesar Salad is a light yet satisfying entrée featuring grilled chicken breast on crisp romaine, finished with Parmesan, croutons, and Caesar dressing.
We enjoy Chicken Caesar Salad regularly at home—especially during warmer months—because it’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and fills you up without feeling heavy.
Scroll down for the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
How to Season and Prepare the Chicken
When grilling chicken for other meals, I often prepare an extra two breasts and save them for this salad. Using pre-grilled chicken makes assembling the salad fast and easy. You can use leftover grilled chicken, bake or pan-sear the breasts, or cook them on the BBQ—just be sure each salad has a cooked, seasoned boneless chicken breast.
Having cooked chicken ready shortens dinner prep time and makes this a great choice for busy weeknights.
Preparing the Romaine
Slice a head of romaine into thin strips. I typically use romaine hearts for this salad, but regular romaine works well too. One romaine heart is usually enough for two entrée salads.
Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the lettuce, taking care to remove any seeds. The lemon brightens the greens and lifts the flavors.
Dressing: Quick and Tasty
While there are many homemade Caesar dressing recipes that include anchovies and other ingredients, a high-quality bottled Caesar dressing is a convenient, delicious choice for a fast meal. We often use Cardini’s Caesar dressing and find it flavorful and reliable.
Tossing the Salad
Pour the desired amount of Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss to coat the greens evenly.
Tip: After tossing the lettuce with dressing, add the grated Parmesan cheese. The dressing helps the cheese adhere to the leaves so it won’t settle at the bottom of the bowl.
Assembling and Serving
Divide the dressed romaine between two serving bowls or plates. Scatter croutons on top and add a couple of thin lemon slices for garnish—these look appealing and allow diners to add extra lemon if they wish.
Slice the pre-cooked chicken breasts thinly and arrange the slices over the salad, fanning them slightly across the top. The chicken may be served warm or chilled; personally, I prefer it warm.
Finish with additional Parmesan if desired, then serve.
I hope you enjoy this classic grilled chicken Caesar salad. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or a light weekend lunch.
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More Main Dish Salad Ideas
Below are a few other main-dish salads you might enjoy trying:
- Grilled Chili & Lime Chicken Fajita Salad
- Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken
- Creole Salmon Caesar Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Chicken Taco Salad Bowl
Printable Recipe
- 2 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pre-grilled or baked
- 1 head romaine lettuce (or romaine hearts)
- Juice of 1/2 large lemon
- 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 Tbsp croutons, for garnish
- 4 thin lemon slices, for garnish
- Note: Having the chicken already grilled makes this a very quick meal. If not prepped ahead, grill, bake, or pan-sear chicken until cooked through and lightly seasoned.
- Place thinly sliced romaine into a large bowl. Squeeze juice of half a lemon over the lettuce, removing any seeds.
- Pour desired amount of Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss to combine.
- After tossing with dressing, add the grated Parmesan and mix so the cheese adheres to the leaves instead of settling at the bottom.
- Portion salad into two serving bowls or plates. Top with croutons and garnish with lemon slices.
- Slice the precooked grilled chicken breasts thinly and arrange over the salad, fanning the slices. Chicken may be served warm or chilled. Add extra Parmesan if desired and serve.
Calorie estimate is approximate and based on a 4-ounce chicken breast per serving. Actual calories will vary with chicken size and dressing amount/type.
