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Best Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Juicy Charred Chicken

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This grilled chicken Caesar salad features smoky charred chicken, a creamy homemade dressing, and crisp romaine lettuce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that feels special but comes together in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and dried
  • ½ cup croutons
  • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your grill to high heat (450-500°F). If using charcoal, wait until coals are ashed over and glowing. Close the lid and let it heat up for 10 minutes.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub in gently.
  3. Place the chicken on the hottest part of the grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  5. While the chicken rests, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, olive oil, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces, ensuring it is completely dry.
  7. Slice the rested chicken against the grain into ½-inch thick strips.
  8. In a large bowl, toss the romaine with about half the dressing. Add the croutons, shaved Parmesan, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with remaining dressing if desired. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

For extra char on the lettuce, toss romaine hearts directly on the grill for 30 seconds per side before chopping. Resting the chicken is non-negotiable for juicy results. Make the dressing ahead for better flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken Caesar salad, charred chicken, Caesar salad, easy weeknight dinner, grilled chicken salad

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/best-grilled-chicken-caesar-salad-with-juicy-charred-chicken/