Get ready to seriously upgrade your salad game with this Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken! Smoky, juicy grilled chicken and char-kissed romaine lettuce come together over a bed of crunchy croutons, savory Parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing. Whether you’re shaking up your weeknight dinner routine or serving friends on the patio, this dish is bursting with flavor, color, and just the right amount of crunch—a modern, irresistible spin on the classic Caesar salad.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken is how a handful of simple ingredients transform into something spectacular. Each component plays its part, from the juicy chicken to the crisp, slightly smoky romaine, and those essential finishing touches that bring it all together.
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juicy, lean protein that grills up perfectly and slices beautifully atop your salad.
- Romaine Lettuce: Select firm, fresh heads—halved lengthwise, they’re sturdy enough for grilling and pick up gorgeous grill marks for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: A little olive oil keeps everything from sticking and infuses the chicken and lettuce with richness while grilling.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and a subtle kick, making the chicken extra tasty.
- Paprika: Paprika introduces a gentle smokiness and a pop of warm color to your grilled chicken.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning both chicken and romaine so that every bite is vibrant and balanced.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan offers salty, nutty notes that are classic in any Caesar.
- Croutons: Add irresistible crunch and contrast in texture—homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
- Caesar Dressing: Go with your favorite store-bought version for convenience, or whip up a homemade batch if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Lemon Wedges: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up every mouthful and ties all the flavors together.
How to Make Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Trust me, this helps them cook quickly and evenly—no more dry or undercooked patches! Once they’re even, brush both sides with olive oil, then generously sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let those seasonings soak in while you heat the grill for maximum flavor payoff.
Step 2: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill not only locks in the juices but also gives you those gorgeous grill marks that make this Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken look so inviting.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill and let it sizzle for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning just once for the best sear. The goal is golden, charred exterior and juicy, fully cooked interior—the juices should run clear when you slice in. Set the chicken aside to rest while you move to the next delicious step.
Step 4: Grill the Romaine
Brush the cut sides of your romaine lettuce halves with olive oil, then grill them cut-side down for just 1 or 2 minutes. The high heat will give you beautiful grill lines and a slightly smoky, wilted texture. Don’t overdo it—the romaine should stay crisp inside!
Step 5: Assemble the Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken
Now for the fun part: building your salad! Slice the rested chicken breasts and layer them over the grilled romaine on individual plates. Sprinkle with plenty of croutons and a shower of freshly grated Parmesan. Drizzle with your Caesar dressing, and don’t forget those bright, juicy lemon wedges for a dazzling finish.
How to Serve Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken
Garnishes
Garnishing brings everything together. Add a shower of extra Parmesan, a few turns of freshly cracked black pepper, or a scattering of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of green. Those lemon wedges are essential—each squeeze wakes up the flavors and balances the richness of the dressing.
Side Dishes
The beauty of Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken is how satisfying it is on its own, but if you want a fuller meal, try pairing with a cup of tomato soup, some roasted sweet potatoes, or a chewy baguette for soaking up any leftover dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re in a festive mood, present the grilled romaine halves whole for a dramatic, restaurant-style salad. You can also slice everything into bite-sized pieces and toss the salad tableside—people love the fun of serving themselves from a big, bountiful platter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to two days. Store the components separately if possible: chicken slices in one container, romaine and toppings in others, and dressing on the side to keep the salad crisp.
Freezing
Grilled chicken freezes beautifully—let it cool, then store it in an airtight container for up to three months. Skip freezing the lettuce; it will lose its texture and appeal once thawed, so save your salad assembly for the day of.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, simply warm the slices gently in a skillet or microwave until hot. The rest of the salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so just combine and dress when you’re ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I make Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken indoors?
Absolutely! A grill pan or even a hot skillet works wonderfully if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. You’ll still get gorgeous char marks and all that irresistible smoky flavor.
What’s a good substitute for chicken in this recipe?
If you’re not in the mood for chicken, give grilled shrimp, salmon, or even tofu a try. Each one brings a unique twist to your Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken and keeps things exciting.
Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?
Yes! A high-quality store-bought Caesar dressing keeps things simple, but if you have the time, a homemade version can really elevate your Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken. There are so many easy recipes online if you want to give it a go!
What type Main Course
Store-bought croutons are super convenient, but if you have stale bread, making your own with olive oil, garlic, and spices gives unmatched crunch and flavor to your salad.
How do I keep romaine from burning on the grill?
Brush the cut sides lightly with olive oil and grill on medium-high for just 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully—once you see good grill marks and the leaves become slightly wilted, it’s time to take them off so you keep that perfect charred-but-still-crisp bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to liven up your dinner routine or impress your friends with something truly special, Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken is the answer. It’s bursting with textures, flavors, and a bit of dramatic flair—plus it’s so doable, even on a busy night. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself making it on repeat!
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Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad, this Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken features charred romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce (halved lengthwise)
- Extra olive oil for brushing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup croutons
- Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Grill the Romaine: Brush cut sides of romaine with olive oil and grill cut-side down for 1–2 minutes until charred.
- Assemble the Salad: Slice the grilled chicken and place on grilled romaine. Top with croutons, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing. Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Grilled romaine adds a smoky twist to the classic Caesar salad.
- Marinate the chicken for added flavor.
- Try this dish with grilled shrimp or salmon for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
