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If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant salad that bursts with smoky, tangy flavors, this BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the timeless classic Caesar salad and swerves it into delicious new territory with juicy, barbecue-glazed chicken, creamy avocado, and homemade garlic croutons—all tossed in a luscious Caesar dressing that balances richness and brightness perfectly. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual lunch, a weekend cookout, or a light dinner, this dish is guaranteed to become one of your new favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together effortlessly in this BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe, each bringing its own charm to the dish. From the smoky marinated chicken to the crunchy croutons and creamy dressing, everything plays an essential role in creating that memorable flavor and texture balance.
- 2-3 chicken breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for juicy, tender meat that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 1/2 cup brown or demerara sugar (not packed): Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes nicely on the grill for that perfect BBQ flavor.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and tender while enhancing the marinade’s richness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory depth that makes every bite more complex and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings a subtle umami kick and balances the sweetness of the sugar.
- Juice from 1/2 lemon: Brightens the marinade and dressing with a fresh citrus zing.
- 1/2 cup mayo: Forms the creamy base of the Caesar dressing, lending its silky texture and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt: Adds tanginess and lightens up the dressing for a fresher taste.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: A little sharpness that wakes up the dressing and ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for dressing): Enhances the dressing’s savory depth, echoing the marinade.
- 1/8 teaspoon anchovy paste: Classic Caesar flavor in a tiny punch, boosting the dressing’s umami.
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that bold and aromatic Caesar taste in the dressing.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that elevates and balances every element.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For golden, crispy croutons that bring irresistible crunch and buttery flavor.
- 2 slices bread: Use sturdy bread like sourdough or a country loaf to hold up well when fried into croutons.
- 1 clove garlic (minced, for croutons): Infuses the croutons with an irresistible garlicky aroma and taste.
- Your favorite BBQ sauce: Sweet, smoky, or spicy—choose a sauce you love to brush on the chicken for that signature BBQ kick.
- 1 head Romaine lettuce (torn): Crisp and fresh, Romaine provides the perfect crunchy base for this salad.
- 1 avocado: Creamy, smooth slices that add richness and mellow out the tangy dressing.
- Parmesan cheese (shaved, to taste): Nutty, salty layers of flavor that make every forkful indulgent.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by butterflying your chicken breasts and cutting them in half so you have thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb the marinade better. You’ll get those juicy, flavorful bites every time.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Combine the marinade ingredients—brown sugar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice—in a large ZipLoc bag. Drop in your chicken, seal the bag, and give it a good massage to coat the meat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to two hours if you have the time. This step makes all the difference by building that irresistible BBQ character.
Step 3: Mix the Caesar Dressing
While the chicken marinates, mix the dressing by combining mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, then chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to toss the salad. Making this dressing homemade means no bland shortcuts here—it’s the secret sauce that holds everything together.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Croutons
Cut your bread into bite-sized crouton pieces, then fry them in butter with minced garlic over medium heat. Keep an eye on them and toss occasionally until they turn golden and crisp, about five minutes. These croutons add crunch and that unbeatable garlic aroma that makes the salad pop.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill (we love using a BBQ for extra smokiness) to high, then oil the grate to prevent sticking. Lower the heat to medium-high, place the chicken cutlets on the grill, and brush the tops with your favorite BBQ sauce. Grill for about four minutes per side, brushing the other side with sauce as well, until the chicken is perfectly cooked through. That glossy, sticky BBQ coating is the showstopper here.
Step 6: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
While the chicken cooks, tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, slice the avocado into creamy wedges, and shave Parmesan cheese with a potato peeler or vegetable peeler for delicate curls that melt on your tongue.
Step 7: Assemble the Salad
Toss the lettuce, freshly made croutons, avocado slices, and Parmesan cheese gently with the Caesar dressing until everything is evenly coated in creamy goodness. Once the chicken is done, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange it on top. The combination of smoky, saucy chicken on this vibrant bed is pure magic.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle additional shaved Parmesan or a little cracked black pepper. Fresh lemon wedges on the side brighten the flavors for anyone who wants an extra tang. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or even some crispy bacon bits take this salad from great to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This salad stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with light, complementary sides like grilled corn on the cob, a simple tomato and cucumber salad, or even roasted sweet potatoes. If you want heartier options, garlic bread or baked potato wedges add satisfying carbs and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered with chicken on top for a stylish picnic or potluck idea. Or turn it into a wrap by folding the dressed salad and chicken in a large tortilla for a portable lunch. You can even plate it upside-down on large platter with chicken slices on the bottom and topped with all the greens and dressing for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover components separately if possible—keep the dressing in an airtight container, croutons in a resealable bag at room temperature, and chicken and salad in the fridge. Toss everything together right before serving to keep all textures fresh and crisp.
Freezing
While the salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh ingredients, you can freeze the marinated chicken ahead of time without the BBQ sauce, then thaw and grill as needed. This helps you prep in advance without compromising flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftover BBQ chicken, warm it gently on the grill or in a skillet to keep it juicy and maintain that smoky BBQ glaze. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve texture. Then rebuild your salad fresh with crisp lettuce and croutons.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and packed with flavor, making them a delicious alternative. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs are thicker and may take a bit longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have anchovy paste for the dressing?
You can omit the anchovy paste and still have a tasty dressing. Consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a little grated Parmesan to bring in some umami depth instead.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace mayo and Greek yogurt in the dressing with dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt. Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The salad will still be delicious and creamy.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Marinating from 30 minutes up to two hours is ideal. Beyond two hours, the lemon juice and acidic ingredients could start to break down the chicken texture too much, making it mushy.
Can I grill the chicken indoors instead?
Definitely! Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Just remember to brush the BBQ sauce on both sides and cook until nicely charred and cooked through.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe is a wonderful way to shake up your salad routine with bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s vibrant, juicy, and absolutely crave-worthy, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal!
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Print
BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad combines tender, grilled BBQ chicken with a classic creamy Caesar dressing, crisp homemade garlic croutons, fresh romaine lettuce, creamy avocado, and shaved Parmesan cheese. The marinade infuses the chicken with a sweet and savory flavor, making this salad a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh elements for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2–3 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (not packed) brown or demerara sugar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/8 teaspoon anchovy paste
- Juice from 1/2 lemon
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Croutons
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 slices bread, cut into desired crouton size
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
- Your favorite BBQ sauce for basting
- 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Parmesan cheese, shaved (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken cutlets: Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut them in half to create thinner cutlets for even grilling and faster cooking.
- Marinate chicken: Combine the brown sugar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a large ZipLoc bag. Add the chicken cutlets and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes up to two hours to soak up the flavors.
- Make dressing: Mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper thoroughly. Refrigerate until ready to use for flavors to meld.
- Prepare croutons: Slice bread into crouton-sized cubes. Fry them in butter over medium heat with minced garlic for about five minutes or until golden and crispy, then set aside.
- Preheat the grill: Oil the grill grate and preheat your BBQ or grill to high heat, then reduce to medium-high just before cooking chicken.
- Prepare salad ingredients: Tear the romaine lettuce, slice the avocado, and shave the Parmesan cheese with a vegetable peeler for a fresh garnish.
- Grill chicken: Place marinated chicken on the grill and brush the top with BBQ sauce. Grill for about four minutes, then flip, brush the other side with BBQ sauce, and grill another four minutes or until fully cooked through.
- Assemble salad: Toss romaine lettuce, croutons, avocado slices, and shaved Parmesan cheese with the prepared dressing. Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top of the salad before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh garlic in both dressing and croutons for optimal flavor.
- Adjust BBQ sauce quantity to taste when basting the chicken.
- For a lighter dressing, reduce or omit mayonnaise and increase Greek yogurt proportion.
- You can substitute bread for gluten-free bread for a gluten-free version.
