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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Caesar Salad - Crisp, Savory, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • For the chicken seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated for coating; shaved for garnish
  • Olive oil and butter: For cooking the chicken
  • Romaine hearts: 2 large or 3 medium, chopped
  • Croutons: Store-bought or homemade
  • Lemon: 1–2 for juice and zest
  • For the Caesar dressing: Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste (or 1–2 anchovy fillets), fresh garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, black pepper, optional Greek yogurt for lightness
  • Optional add-ins: Cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, avocado, capers

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Mix 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Coat the chicken with the spice mix and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Press 2–3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan onto each breast.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Alternatively, bake at 400°F/205°C for 18–22 minutes. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  3. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1–2 teaspoons Dijon, 1–2 teaspoons anchovy paste, 1 small grated garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire, 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan. Add 1–2 tablespoons olive oil for richness. Thin with a splash of water if needed. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt. For a lighter option, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
  4. Prep the greens: Chop romaine into bite-size pieces. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Wet lettuce makes a sad salad, so spin it or pat it dry until crisp.
  5. Toss the base: In a large bowl, toss the romaine with enough dressing to lightly coat. Add a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of black pepper. Fold in a handful of croutons and some grated Parmesan.
  6. Assemble: Plate the dressed greens. Top with warm sliced garlic Parmesan chicken. Finish with shaved Parmesan, extra croutons, and a final drizzle of dressing if you like.
  7. Serve right away: Caesar is best crisp and fresh. Add lemon wedges at the table for a bright finish.