Save A vibrant, protein-packed bowl featuring juicy grilled chicken breast over crisp romaine lettuce, finished with parmesan, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing. This Caesar Chicken Bowl is perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Save The secret to this bowl lies in the contrast between the warm, savory grilled chicken and the cool, crisp romaine. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors at home.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500 g), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Salad: 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped, 1 cup (40 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese, 1 1/2 cups (60 g) croutons
- For the Caesar Dressing: 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 small garlic clove, minced, Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Step 2
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season on both sides with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3
- Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 4
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the Caesar dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 5
- In a large salad bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with half of the Caesar dressing.
- Step 6
- Divide lettuce among 4 bowls. Top each with sliced grilled chicken, parmesan, and croutons. Drizzle with additional dressing as desired.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the chicken remains juicy, always use a meat thermometer to pull it off the grill right at 74°C. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra depth of flavor, add anchovy fillets to the dressing. You can also substitute the grilled chicken with shrimp or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian version. If you have dietary restrictions, simply use whole-grain or gluten-free croutons.
Serviervorschläge
This vibrant bowl pairs exceptionally well with a crisp Chardonnay or a refreshing glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.
Save Enjoy this fresh and hearty Caesar Chicken Bowl as a quick lunch or a light, nutritious dinner any day of the week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I grill the chicken properly?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush chicken with olive oil and season generously. Grill 6–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Let rest 5 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Grill chicken up to 2 days ahead and store refrigerated. Prepare dressing separately and keep chilled. Assemble bowls just before serving to maintain crisp lettuce texture and prevent sogginess.
- → What can I substitute for the chicken?
Grilled shrimp work beautifully for a pescatarian version. For vegetarian options, try grilled tofu, chickpeas, or white beans. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp need 2–3 minutes per side.
- → How do I make the dressing extra creamy?
Use room temperature ingredients for smooth emulsification. Whisk mayonnaise thoroughly with parmesan before adding liquids. For extra richness, blend in 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- → Is this gluten-free?
The traditional version contains gluten from croutons and potentially Worcestershire sauce. Make it gluten-free by using certified GF croutons and substituting Worcestershire with coconut aminos or tamari-based sauce.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Store components separately in airtight containers. Keep chicken up to 3 days, dressing up to 1 week. Lettuce stays fresh 2–3 days if unwashed. Never dress leftovers in advance—soggy lettuce ruins the experience.