This Chicken Caesar Salad is a crispy and flavorful twist on the classic dish, featuring golden, panko-coated chicken, homemade croutons, and a rich, creamy dressing. Perfect for a satisfying summer dinner, it’s a complete meal that balances crunchy, tender, and tangy elements in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Caesar Salad takes a beloved classic and gives it a crispy makeover. The panko-coated chicken is wonderfully crunchy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender inside. Paired with homemade croutons that add an extra layer of flavor and texture, this dish is anything but ordinary. The creamy dressing, made from mayo, parmesan, and garlic, ties everything together in the most delicious way. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and freshness, making it an ideal choice for a summer meal. Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

400g boneless chicken breast, cut into small cubes (14.1 oz)
1/4 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp hot sauce
1 medium-sized egg
100g panko breadcrumbs (around 1.5 cups)
Oil for cooking the chicken

For the Croutons:

100g bread, cut into cubes (3.5 oz or about 2 cups)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2-3 pinches of black pepper
Salt to your taste
1/2 tsp dried parsley
20g unsalted butter, melted (1 tbsp + 1 tsp)

For the Dressing:

105g mayo (6 tablespoons)
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp white vinegar
1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to your taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
30ml lemon juice (2 tbsp)
20g freshly grated parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Salad:

1.5 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
10g parmesan cheese (1/8 cup) + more to sprinkle on top

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, add the cubed chicken.
Add salt, red chili powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, white vinegar, dark soy sauce, and hot sauce to the chicken. Mix everything well and let the chicken marinate for 15-20 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat an egg and add it to the marinated chicken mixture. Stir to combine.
Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Coat each piece of chicken in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully covered.
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy. Add an extra tablespoon of oil for each batch.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest on a wire rack while preparing the other components.
For the croutons: In a bowl, add bread cubes, melted butter, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and dried parsley. Toss to coat evenly.
Air fry the croutons at 200°C (400°F) for a few minutes, shaking them halfway through, until golden and crispy. Set aside.
For the dressing: In a bowl or jug, combine mayo, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, white vinegar, garlic, black pepper, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth.
Add olive oil to the dressing and whisk until creamy and well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, crispy chicken, and parmesan cheese.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Top with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Grilled chicken: Instead of frying the chicken, you can grill it for a smoky flavor. Simply season and grill the chicken breast until cooked through, then chop into cubes.
Dairy-free dressing: For a dairy-free version of the dressing, swap the mayo and parmesan for vegan alternatives.
Add more veggies: To boost the freshness of the salad, add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions.
Spicy croutons: If you like a little extra heat, toss the bread cubes with some red pepper flakes before air frying.

Storage/reheating

Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the components separately in the fridge. Keep the croutons in an airtight container and the chicken in a separate container for up to 2 days. The dressing can also be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a pan or microwave, but avoid reheating the croutons as they will lose their crunch. For best results, add fresh lettuce and dressing when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken, croutons, and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and the croutons crispy.

Can I use store-bought croutons?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought croutons. However, homemade croutons add a great touch of flavor and crunch!

Can I make the dressing without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a dairy-free yogurt alternative in place of the mayo for a different take on the dressing.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply swap the chicken for crispy tofu or roasted vegetables.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

To make the chicken extra crispy, ensure that you coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs and cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

While romaine lettuce is traditional for Caesar salads, you can also use other leafy greens like kale, iceberg, or mixed greens for a different texture.

How can I make the salad spicier?

Add more hot sauce to the chicken marinade or sprinkle some chili flakes over the salad to give it an extra kick.

Can I skip the egg when coating the chicken?

Yes, if you’re allergic to eggs or prefer not to use them, you can dip the chicken in a mixture of flour and water or use a plant-based egg alternative.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

Toss the dressing with the salad just before serving to ensure the lettuce and croutons stay crispy. Keep the dressing separate if you’re storing leftovers.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the bread used for the croutons and panko breadcrumbs. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free bread.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Salad offers a crispy and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With crunchy panko-coated chicken, homemade croutons, and a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for a light yet filling summer dinner, it’s easy to make and packed with fresh ingredients. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or as a side, this recipe is a must-try for Caesar salad lovers