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High Protein Chicken Caesar Bowl - A Fresh, Satisfying Meal

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

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1 to 1.25 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • Romaine lettuce: 2 large hearts, chopped
  • Chickpeas: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (optional, not traditional but adds freshness)
  • Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, shaved or grated
  • Whole-grain croutons: 1 cup (or make your own)
  • Avocado: 1 ripe, diced (optional for healthy fats)
  • Olive oil: For cooking and dressing
  • Lemon: 1–2, for zest and juice
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Garlic powder and paprika: For chicken seasoning
  • Greek yogurt (2% or 0%): 1/2 cup for dressing
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon
  • Anchovy paste or minced anchovy: 1/2 teaspoon (optional but classic)
  • Grated Parmesan: 2 tablespoons for dressing
  • Water or milk: 1–2 tablespoons to thin dressing

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and toss to coat.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a light drizzle of oil. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Rest 5 minutes, then slice. Grilling or air-frying also works well.
  3. Crisp the chickpeas (optional): While chicken cooks, pat chickpeas dry. Toss with a teaspoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a 425°F oven or air fryer for 10–15 minutes until lightly crisp, shaking once. This adds crunch and extra protein.
  4. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 teaspoon Dijon, 1/2–1 teaspoon Worcestershire, 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional), 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, a small grated garlic clove or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Thin with 1–2 tablespoons water or milk to reach a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust lemon, salt, and pepper.
  5. Prep the base: Chop romaine into bite-size pieces and rinse well. Spin or pat dry. Slice cherry tomatoes and dice avocado if using.
  6. Assemble the bowl: In each bowl, add a generous bed of romaine. Top with sliced chicken, a handful of chickpeas, tomatoes, and avocado. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and a handful of croutons.
  7. Dress and finish: Spoon or drizzle Caesar dressing over the top. Add a final squeeze of lemon and a crack of black pepper. For a restaurant touch, zest a little lemon over the bowl.
  8. Serve: Toss gently right before eating so the greens stay crisp. Enjoy immediately.