Ultimate Spicy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Your New Go-To Recipe

Prepare to experience the best Spicy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad you’ve ever tasted! This exceptional recipe features a vibrant, garlicky dressing, perfectly crunchy croutons, crisp romaine lettuce, and tender, juicy grilled chicken infused with a delightful spicy kick. Every time this salad makes an appearance, it steals the show, prompting countless requests for the recipe. If you’re searching for impressive Caesar salad dinner ideas, look no further – this dish is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite.

This grilled chicken Caesar salad is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice all year round. It shines as a quintessential summer dish when the chicken is grilled outdoors on the BBQ, but its deliciousness isn’t limited by the seasons. You can easily prepare it using an indoor grill, an air fryer, or simply by cooking the chicken on the stovetop. This very recipe was the inspiration behind our popular Twice Baked Caesar Potatoes, proving its foundational appeal.

🥘 Essential Ingredients for the Best Spicy Caesar Salad

So, what’s the secret weapon that elevates this Caesar dressing from good to extraordinary? Without a doubt, it’s anchovies. These small, flavorful fish make an immense difference, imparting a deep umami richness and a pleasant saltiness without an overpowering fishy taste. For this incredible recipe, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

• Olive Oil: The foundation of a good dressing. Using quality olive oil is crucial here, as it contributes to the dressing’s light texture and rich flavor. Opt for a good extra virgin olive oil for the best results.
• Eggs: This recipe traditionally uses raw eggs for that signature creamy emulsified dressing. However, for those concerned about the risks associated with raw eggs (such as Salmonella), it is highly recommended to use pasteurized whole eggs or liquid eggs. You can read more about egg safety here and here. Alternatively, learn how to pasteurize eggs at home using a microwave. Your health and safety are paramount!
• Romaine Lettuce: The quintessential choice for Caesar salad. Romaine’s sturdy, crisp texture holds up exceptionally well against the rich, heavy dressing, preventing it from wilting quickly. Other types of leaf or head lettuce generally don’t offer the same satisfying crunch.
• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. You can use either fresh or frozen (ensuring it’s fully defrosted before cooking). Frozen chicken is often a convenient and economical option to keep on hand. For consistent results, aim for breasts of similar thickness for even cooking.
• Cajun Seasoning: This vibrant spice blend, a staple of Louisiana’s Cajun cuisine, is the star of our spicy chicken. It’s renowned for its bold, savory, and moderately spicy flavor profile, typically incorporating paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and often dried herbs like oregano and thyme. The exact blend can vary, offering a versatile kick to many dishes, and it pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for the dressing, providing that pungent, aromatic depth characteristic of a classic Caesar.
• Anchovies (or Anchovy Paste): As mentioned, these are key. They dissolve into the dressing, adding a profound savory flavor without tasting overtly fishy. Anchovy paste is a convenient alternative if you don’t have fillets.
• White Wine Vinegar: Contributes a necessary acidity to balance the richness of the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds another layer of savory, slightly tangy complexity to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, fresh acidity. Freshly squeezed is always best, but good quality concentrate works too (adjusting quantity if using fresh).
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor and a wonderful texture to the finished salad.
• Croutons: Essential for crunch. You can use store-bought for convenience or elevate your salad with homemade croutons for superior texture and flavor.

*For a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.

🧂 Perfectly Seasoned Grilled Chicken for Caesar Salad

For the grilled chicken in this Caesar salad, I favor a straightforward yet impactful seasoning approach. A generous rub of garlic powder combined with vibrant Cajun seasoning creates the ideal flavor profile. This blend is, in my opinion, the absolute best seasoning for grilled chicken, especially when paired with Caesar dressing. The Cajun seasoning introduces a delightful, subtle spiciness that complements the tangy dressing without overpowering it, striking just the right balance of heat and flavor. It infuses the chicken with a savory depth that makes every bite truly satisfying.

📖 Variations & Substitutions to Customize Your Caesar Salad

While this recipe shines as a robust main course, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. Simply omit the chicken, and it transforms into an exquisite side salad. Here are some ideas to customize your Caesar salad:

• Cajun Seasoning Alternatives: If your pantry is missing Cajun seasoning, I highly recommend acquiring some for future grilling adventures! It’s fantastic for seasoning all sorts of meats. In a pinch, however, you can substitute chili powder or cayenne pepper for a similar spicy undertone, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
• Amp Up the Spice: For those who love extra heat, there are several ways to make this salad spicier. Blend in ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes directly into the dressing. Alternatively, you can mix in 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce or ¼ cup of Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce to infuse a fiery kick.
• Anchovy Paste as a Backup: If canned anchovy fillets aren’t readily available, anchovy paste is an excellent substitute. I always keep a tube in the fridge for convenience. For this recipe, approximately ⅓ of a standard tube should suffice to achieve the desired depth of flavor.
• Crouton Choices: Elevate your salad with homemade croutons for a superior crunch and fresh flavor, or opt for the ease of quality store-bought croutons. Toasting store-bought croutons briefly in the oven can revive their crispness and enhance their taste.
• Grilled Chicken Alternatives: Outdoor grilling isn’t always an option. You can achieve delicious results by cooking the chicken on the stovetop. A stovetop grill pan can replicate attractive grill marks, functioning much like a frying pan. An air fryer is another excellent method for juicy, evenly cooked chicken breasts. Feel free to use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a different texture and flavor.
• Vinegar Options: While white wine vinegar is specified, red wine vinegar can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly different, bolder flavor profile.
• Fresh vs. Concentrate Lemon Juice: If using fresh lemon juice instead of concentrate, remember to double the amount to achieve the same tangy intensity, as fresh juice can be less potent.
• Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is traditional, consider adding shaved Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor, or even a crumbled goat cheese for creaminess if serving as a side salad.
• Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can add a refreshing aromatic touch to the finished salad.

📋 More Beloved Restaurant Copycat and Classic Recipes

If you’re a fan of recreating nostalgic restaurant dishes at home, you’ll love exploring some of my other popular copycat recipes. Dive into my Bonanza Monterey Chicken, a flavorful blast from the past. And while I never personally worked at Moxie’s, I’ve enjoyed countless meals there and absolutely adore their Grilled Steak Salad with Feta and Clamato Dressing, which I’ve faithfully replicated.

My IHOP Grain & Nut Pancake Copycat recipe offers a delicious rendition of a breakfast classic that’s no longer on the menu. For lovers of unique Asian-inspired flavors, my copycat version of The Calgary Ginger Beef Restaurant’s Ginger Beef Recipe perfectly captures the essence of this regional favorite.

However, it’s important to note that this particular Classic Chicken Caesar Salad recipe isn’t a copycat; it’s the authentic, real deal. I’m incredibly fortunate that I didn’t have to attempt to recreate it from memory or taste-tests, as my brother secured the *actual* original recipe many years ago. It truly offers the perfect combination of tangy and creamy Caesar salad dressing, a flavor profile that stands as a testament to its enduring quality.

💡 Expert Recipe Tips for a Perfect Caesar Salad

• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer for Perfectly Cooked Chicken: The key to juicy and safe grilled chicken is precise temperature. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This eliminates guesswork, prevents undercooking, and crucially, avoids overcooking, which can lead to dry, tough meat – a common pitfall when grilling.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness: While our simple rub is effective, taking the extra step to marinate the chicken can significantly enhance its flavor and tenderness. Combine olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and the Cajun spices, then marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours before grilling. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Employ a High-Powered Blender for Silky Dressing: Achieving that ultra-smooth, perfectly emulsified Caesar dressing texture is easier with a powerful blender (like a Vitamix or Ninja). A strong blender ensures that the anchovies and garlic are completely pureed, and the oil emulsifies properly with the egg, resulting in a rich, velvety dressing that coats every piece of lettuce beautifully.
• Chill Your Romaine Lettuce for Superior Crispness: For a truly restaurant-quality salad, proper lettuce preparation is paramount. After washing and chopping your romaine, place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) before assembling the salad. Cold lettuce maintains its firm, crisp texture much better, especially when tossed with a heavy dressing, preventing it from becoming soggy.
• Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing: Patience is a virtue here. After grilling, allow the chicken breasts to rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains incredibly juicy. Slicing immediately after cooking will cause the juices to run out, resulting in drier chicken. Slice just before adding to the salad to keep the pieces succulent and warm.
• Drizzle Olive Oil Slowly for a Stable Emulsion: When incorporating the olive oil into the dressing, remember to add it very slowly, in a thin, steady stream, while the blender is running on low speed. This gradual process is essential for creating a stable emulsion, preventing the dressing from separating and giving it that desired rich, thick, and velvety consistency.
• Revive Store-Bought Croutons with a Quick Toast: Even if you’re using store-bought croutons, a few minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven can make a world of difference. Toasting them enhances their crunch and brings out their flavor, especially if they’ve lost some freshness.
• Finish with Fresh Cracked Pepper & Shaved Parmesan: For a visually appealing and texturally exciting finish, generously top the assembled salad with freshly cracked black pepper and wide shavings of Parmesan cheese just before serving. This adds both a gourmet touch and a lovely contrast to the creamy dressing.
• Serve Immediately After Tossing: To ensure the best possible texture and prevent sogginess, always toss the salad with the dressing right before serving. If left to sit too long, the lettuce can wilt, and the croutons will soften, compromising the overall experience.

🥗 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Caesar Salad

This hearty Chicken Caesar Salad is perfectly satisfying on its own as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a classic accompaniment, try it with this crispy Garlic Bread (from Baguette) or these savory Italian Breadsticks (as shown in the image). If you’re looking for a lighter, gluten-free option, my fluffy Cloud Bread makes an excellent choice!

Should you choose to serve this as a side salad (by omitting the chicken), it complements rich main dishes wonderfully. It’s an ideal partner for a comforting Baked Chicken Cacciatore or a delicious Make-Ahead Lasagna, providing a fresh, zesty contrast to heavier flavors.

🍽 Essential Equipment for Your Kitchen

Cooking meat to perfection often involves more than just guesswork. Knowing the exact internal temperature is the best way to ensure your grilled chicken is both juicy and safe to eat. No more cutting into your chicken mid-grill, hoping it’s done! I personally rely on an instant-read thermometer, and it stands as one of the most invaluable kitchen tools I’ve ever invested in. This thermometer is a complete game-changer!

• I use my Thermapen for nearly everything – from baking delicate pies and hearty breads to cooking eggs, casseroles, and even making candy. Its versatility is unmatched.
• This amazing little tool provides instant and accurate temperature readings with a quick poke. It’s not just for grilling; it’s the trusted go-to instrument for acclaimed chefs and BBQ champions worldwide, and even a favorite of culinary expert Alton Brown!
• It often comes with a handy chart detailing chef-recommended temperatures, alongside the minimum safe internal temperatures for various foods, giving you complete confidence in your cooking.
• A good quality blender is also essential for achieving the perfectly smooth and emulsified Caesar dressing. A powerful motor ensures all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a creamy texture.
• A large salad bowl and sturdy tongs for tossing are also helpful for preparing and serving this beautiful salad.

🌡️ Storing Leftovers Safely and Effectively

To maintain the integrity and crispness of your Spicy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, I highly recommend storing the components separately. Keep the prepared romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, and dressing in individual airtight containers in the refrigerator. When mixed together, Caesar salad can become quite mushy and lose its appealing texture, especially as the lettuce wilts and croutons soften. By storing them apart, you can enjoy a fresher salad for longer.

Important Note Regarding Raw Eggs: If you used unpasteurized raw eggs in your Caesar dressing, it is generally NOT recommended to store and consume leftovers due to the increased risk of illness or food poisoning (e.g., Salmonella). Consume the salad immediately, or if you must store it, do so at your own risk. For safer storage, always use pasteurized eggs in your dressing if you anticipate having leftovers.

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🥗 Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

This Grilled Chicken Caesar salad features the absolute best creamy Caesar salad dressing you’ll ever taste, a sentiment shared by everyone who tries it. With its tangy, garlicky dressing, perfectly crunchy croutons, crisp romaine, and delightfully spicy, juicy grilled chicken, this recipe is destined to become your ultimate go-to Caesar Salad. Originating from the now-closed Clancy’s restaurant, this dressing has been a family favorite for over 25 years and is constantly requested at dinners and potlucks!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 from 4 votes
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Course: Main, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Canadian, North American

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 186 kcal

Author: Terri Gilson

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment

• Blender
• Salad Bowl
• Instant Read Thermometer

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
• ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning (approx.) (buy here)
• ½ tablespoon Garlic powder (approx.)

Caesar Salad Dressing:

• 2 whole eggs (*use pasteurized whole eggs or liquid eggs if concerned about raw eggs)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 -50g can of anchovies (drained) *you can substitute anchovy paste
• 1 ounce Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1 ounce white wine vinegar (buy here)
• 1 cup olive oil

For the Salad:

• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (buy here)
• 1 -142 g bag of Caesar salad croutons
• 1-2 head romaine lettuce, washed and dried *or use romaine hearts

Garnish:

• Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
• Lemon wedges (optional)
• Black pepper, freshly cracked

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Lettuce:

1. Generously sprinkle garlic powder and Cajun seasoning on both sides of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
2. Place chicken on a heated grill (indoor or outdoor) and grill over medium-high heat until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
3. Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
4. Wash and cut romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Caesar Salad Dressing:

5. Add eggs, garlic, anchovies, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth.
6. Turn the blender down to a low setting and slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream through the lid opening. Continue blending for another minute or so, until the dressing is fully emulsified and creamy.

Assemble the Salad:

7. In a large salad bowl, combine the prepared romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing. Toss well to coat evenly.
8. Add the cooked chicken, croutons, and ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese. Toss gently.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes

Expert Recipe Tips:

• Use an Instant-Read Thermometer for Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure juicy and safe meat.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinating chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Cajun spices for 30 minutes to 2 hours enhances tenderness and flavor.
• Use a High-Powered Blender for Dressing: For an ultra-smooth, emulsified Caesar dressing, a powerful blender ensures perfect consistency.
• Chill Your Romaine Lettuce: Wash, chop, and refrigerate romaine for at least 30 minutes for the crispest, restaurant-style lettuce.
• Let the Chicken Rest Before Slicing: Rest grilled chicken for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices; slice just before adding to the salad.
• Add Olive Oil Slowly: Drizzle olive oil in very slowly with the blender on low to create a stable, velvety emulsion.
• Toast Store-Bought Croutons: A few minutes in a 350°F (175°C) oven will enhance crunch and flavor.
• Finish with Fresh Cracked Pepper & Shaved Parmesan: Adds visual appeal and texture contrast.
• Serve Immediately After Tossing: Prevents lettuce from wilting and croutons from softening.

📖 Variations & Substitutions:

• Cajun Seasoning: Substitute chili powder or cayenne pepper in a pinch, but Cajun is highly recommended.
• Make it SPICIER! Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1 tbsp sriracha, or ¼ cup Buffalo Chicken Wing Sauce to the dressing.
• Anchovies: Anchovy paste (about ⅓ tube) is a great substitute for canned anchovies.
• Crouton: Use homemade or store-bought.
• Grilled chicken: Cook on stovetop, in an air fryer, or use boneless chicken thighs instead.
• Wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar can replace white.
• Lemon juice: Double the amount if using fresh lemon juice instead of concentrate.

*NOTE: This recipe uses raw eggs. If you are concerned about this, then use pasteurized whole eggs or liquid eggs. You can read more about egg safety HERE and HERE! There is a risk of illness/food poisoning/Salmonella if you use raw eggs.

**NOTE: Read how you can pasteurize eggs in the microwave at home HERE!

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