This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl is a fresh and flavorful take on the beloved classic. Tender, juicy grilled chicken seasoned to perfection tops a bed of crisp romaine, tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan. Finished with a squeeze of lemon and a crack of black pepper, it’s a well-balanced meal that’s quick, satisfying, and full of savory flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and substance. The grilled chicken adds a high-protein component that makes this salad hearty enough for lunch or dinner, while the smoky seasoning enhances the richness of the creamy Caesar dressing. With fresh ingredients, bold flavor, and just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Lemon wedges, for garnish
directions
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese.
- Divide the salad into serving bowls and top with sliced grilled chicken.
- Add croutons, extra Parmesan if desired, and garnish with lemon wedges and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
- Calories per serving: 430 kcal
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Omit the croutons or substitute with parmesan crisps for crunch.
- Spicy Caesar Salad: Add a pinch of cayenne to the chicken seasoning or mix hot sauce into the dressing.
- Grilled Romaine: Lightly char the romaine on the grill before chopping for a smoky twist.
- Add Bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon adds extra crunch and salty flavor.
- Different Protein: Substitute grilled shrimp or salmon for the chicken for a seafood twist.
storage/reheating
Grilled chicken can be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before adding to fresh salad. Avoid dressing the lettuce ahead of time to prevent wilting—store components separately for best texture if prepping in advance.
FAQs
What’s the best chicken seasoning for Caesar salad?
A blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper adds smoky, savory depth that complements the creamy Caesar dressing.
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and offer extra juiciness—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What lettuce is best for Caesar salad?
Romaine is the classic choice due to its crisp texture and mild flavor, perfect for holding up to rich dressing.
Is Caesar dressing always made with anchovies?
Traditional Caesar dressing includes anchovies for umami flavor, but many store-bought or homemade versions use anchovy paste or omit it entirely.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep the ingredients in advance, but store the dressing and croutons separately to keep the salad crisp.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What’s a good substitute for croutons?
Parmesan crisps or roasted chickpeas offer a similar crunch with fewer carbs or added protein.
Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?
Absolutely. Choose a high-quality brand or make your own for a fresher, more personalized taste.
How can I make this salad lighter?
Use a light Caesar dressing and reduce the cheese and croutons to lower the calorie content.
Is this salad gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free croutons or omitting them entirely.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a timeless favorite with a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed lunch or a quick, complete dinner, this version offers everything you need in one bowl—crunchy greens, juicy chicken, savory cheese, and zesty dressing. It’s classic, customizable, and consistently delicious.
Print
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a flavorful, protein-packed twist on a classic favorite. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are grilled to perfection and served over crisp romaine lettuce tossed in creamy Caesar dressing with crunchy croutons, shaved Parmesan, and a splash of lemon—ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
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1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
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1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup croutons
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Lemon wedges, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
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Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
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In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan.
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Divide salad into serving bowls.
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Top with grilled chicken slices, croutons, and more Parmesan if desired.
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Garnish with lemon wedges and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
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For extra flavor, marinate chicken for 30 minutes in olive oil and spices before grilling.
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Swap croutons for toasted chickpeas or seeds for a gluten-free version.
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Use homemade Caesar dressing with anchovy and Dijon for a traditional touch.
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Great for prepping chicken in advance for grab-and-go meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad / Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
