Did you know you can make a restaurant-quality Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad at home in about 20 minutes? This simple recipe delivers bold, smoky flavor: chicken breasts seasoned with blackened spices and cooked until juicy, then served over crisp romaine tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. Finish with crunchy croutons and plenty of grated Parmesan for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.
Bring the flavor to your next salad!
I’ve been making this salad for years. It’s my go-to when I want something quick, easy and full of flavor. Recently I shared it on Instagram and the response was overwhelming, so here’s the recipe you all asked for.
This Chicken Caesar Salad is flexible: you can use a store-bought Caesar dressing or make a homemade miso Caesar for extra depth. I also make my own blackened seasoning, but you can use a premade blend if you prefer.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week or need a fast, restaurant-quality dinner in under 30 minutes, this salad is an excellent choice.
Key ingredients
Below are the main ingredients and a few notes to help you shop and prepare. The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card further down.
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used here, but chicken thighs also work well, especially for grilling. Use what you prefer or have on hand.
- Caesar dressing – A homemade miso Caesar adds extra umami, and it only takes minutes to blend. Store-bought dressing works fine too if you’re short on time.
Instructions
Step-by-step photos are provided below to make this recipe easy to follow. For the full recipe and video, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Meal prep it
This salad is great to prepare ahead for quick lunches. To meal prep: roast and slice the chicken, chop the romaine, and make the dressing.
Store undressed lettuce, sliced chicken, and grated Parmesan together in a container. Keep the dressing separate in a small jar and croutons in a bag. When ready to eat, toss the lettuce with dressing, top with chicken and croutons, and enjoy.
Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about two breasts)
- 3 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (miso Caesar or store-bought)
- ½ cup croutons
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Slice two chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Season all sides with blackened seasoning, place on a baking sheet, and roast for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken roasts, toss the romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing in a large bowl.
- Divide the dressed greens among four bowls.
- Slice the chicken into strips and arrange on the greens. Top with croutons, grated Parmesan, and fresh cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Blackened seasoning: Combine 2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon thyme, and 1 teaspoon oregano. Store any extra in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Alternative cooking methods: You can cook the chicken in a hot cast-iron skillet for about 5–7 minutes per side, on a grill, or in an air fryer at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway. Always check for 165°F internal temperature.
- Gluten-free option: Omit the croutons to make this salad gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
More salad recipes
If you enjoy chicken salads, try these other favorites for more fresh, flavorful meals.
Blackened Chicken Salad
Thai Chicken Salad
BBQ Chicken Salad
