Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad
This easy Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad recipe combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and homemade croutons with a creamy Caesar dressing for a crowd-pleaser.
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Caesar salad, check out these easy recipes!
For a quick and satisfying meal, try a tuna and potato dish—perfect when you’re short on time. If you prefer a healthier option, make a protein-packed mayo without oil to top your salad.
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If you need something light, potato frittata makes a great side. Snack on these turkey wontons for a light, tasty bite.
Wrap it up with a sweet treat—this morello cherry sponge cake is light yet indulgent. Or, try a moist yoghurt cake for a simple dessert.
These recipes are simple, quick, and perfect to pair with your salad or enjoy on their own!
Let’s Talk About Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad
This recipe is my go-to when I want something simple yet satisfying. It’s packed with protein, crunchy croutons, and that classic Caesar dressing everyone loves. Plus, it’s versatile! You can prep everything and toss it all together when you’re ready to eat.
I’ve also got a fun little hack for perfectly crispy bacon—and you don’t even need to stand over a hot stove! Let’s dive into it.
Expert Tip
To save time, cook the bacon and chicken in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes assembling the salad quick and hassle-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to customize.
- You can prep parts ahead of time.
- The homemade croutons and dressing make it stand out.
- It’s a balanced meal that’s great for lunch or dinner.
What You’ll Need
- Baking sheet for the bacon
- Large skillet or frying pan for the chicken
- Blender or food processor for the dressing
- Mixing bowl for the croutons
For the best results, use fresh Romaine lettuce and good-quality Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
To make this Chicken Caesar Salad recipe easier, prep everything first. Chop the lettuce, cook and dice the bacon, and get the chicken ready. If you’re making homemade croutons, cut the bread into cubes and gather the seasonings. For the dressing, measure and prepare all the ingredients before blending.
Having everything prepped ahead of time keeps things simple and organized. It’s a small step that makes the process smoother—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Homemade Croutons
Caesar Dressing
Substitutions
- Swap sourdough with any crusty bread for croutons.
- Swap the chicken with shrimp, prawns, tofu or boiled eggs.
- Use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon.
- Skip the anchovies for a vegetarian dressing.
- Try Greek yoghurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
Variations
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess.
- Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for a crunchier texture.
- Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
- Toss with some cooked pasta to make a Caesar Pasta Salad.
Step-by-step instructions
This salad might look like it took hours to prep, but it’s really quick and easy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look like a kitchen expert while keeping things stress-free!
- Cook the Bacon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay bacon rashers in a single layer. Bake in the oven, grill, or cook in a pan until crispy. Transfer to kitchen paper to cool, then dice into small pieces.
- Make the Croutons: Cut or tear bread into chunks. Toss with olive oil, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toast in a pan until golden, bake in the oven or use an air fryer.
- Prepare the Dressing: Add dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until creamy, adjusting salt, pepper, and water for desired consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: Boil chicken breasts in a deep pot until cooked through. Drain and pat dry. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces, add grated garlic, salt, and black pepper, and sauté until golden. Alternatively, air fry seasoned chicken until fully cooked.
- Assemble the Salad: Wash and chop Romaine lettuce. Arrange on a platter or in a large bowl. Top with diced bacon, croutons, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with Parmesan. Serve immediately!
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Tips and Tricks
- Always let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the bread on the baking sheet to ensure evenly crispy croutons.
- Adjust the garlic in the dressing to suit your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this salad with homemade bread for a heartier meal or serve alongside a light soup like roasted veggie soup for a complete menu.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy lettuce.
- Croutons stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
FAQs
Related Recipes
- Couscous Salmon Salad
- Easy Potato Salad
- Olivier Salad (Salata de Boeuf) Traditionally Romanian
- Grilled Eggplant Salad
- Simple Vegan Warm Salad Recipe with Chickpeas & Lentils
- Rice Tuna Salad
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Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 rashers streaky bacon
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce
- 2 chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- Salt and black pepper
Homemade Croutons:
- 4 slices sourdough or crusty bread
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- salt
Caesar Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise full fat, light, or vegan
- 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2 anchovies
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard or mustard powder
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ tsp each salt and black pepper
- 5 tbsp water
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or greaseproof paper. Lay out the bacon rashers in a single layer.8 rashers streaky bacon
- Place in a cold oven and set the temperature to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6. Bake for about 20 minutes, or use the grill setting and cook for 15 minutes until crispy. Alternatively, cook the bacon in a pan on the stovetop.
- Once cooked, transfer to kitchen paper to cool. Dice into small pieces.
Cook the Chicken:
- Boil the chicken breasts in a deep pot for 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry.2 chicken breasts
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Slice the chicken breast into small bite size pieces, add grated garlic, salt, and black pepper, then sauté for 3-5 minutes until golden.2 garlic cloves, Salt and black pepper, 3 tbsp olive oil
- Cook in the pan on each side until lightly browned and fully cooked. Alternatively, air fry at 180°C/350°F for 10-12 minutes after coating the chicken withhall the seasonings in a bowl.
Make the Croutons:
- Cut or tear the bread into 1/2-inch chunks.4 slices sourdough or crusty bread
- Toss the bread cubes with olive oil, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.1 tsp olive oil, 1 tsp Italian herbs, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 garlic cloves, salt
- Toast in a pan over medium heat until golden brown, or bake at 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/gas 6 for 5-10 minutes, tossing halfway. Use an air fryer for similar results.
Prepare the Dressing:
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor.1/3 cup mayonnaise, 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese, 2 anchovies, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard or mustard powder, 2 garlic cloves, 1/4 tsp each salt and black pepper, 5 tbsp water
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt, pepper, and water for consistency as needed.
Assemble the Salad:
- Wash and chop the Romaine lettuce. Arrange on a serving platter or in a large bowl.2 heads Romaine lettuce
- Top with the diced bacon, croutons, and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad. Garnish with extra Parmesan shavings if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
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Bacon Tips:
- For perfectly crispy bacon, cook in the oven using a cold start.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease before chopping.
-
Chicken Cooking Options:
- You can grill, bake, pan-fry, or air-fry the chicken breast.
- Slice or dice it after cooking to suit your preference.
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Dressing Adjustments:
- Add more water for a thinner dressing or use less for a thicker texture.
- Anchovies can be omitted or replaced with Worcestershire sauce for a similar taste.
-
Crouton Variations:
- Use store-bought croutons for convenience or make them from any crusty bread you have.
- Air frying the croutons is a great quick option.
-
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep components like chicken, bacon, and dressing ahead of time, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
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Storage:
- Store leftovers (undressed) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate for best results.
-
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-free croutons or omit them. Check all ingredients, including dressing, for gluten.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a standalone dish for a light meal or pair it with soup or garlic bread for a more filling option.
-
Scaling the Recipe:
- Double the ingredients to serve a crowd, or halve them for a smaller portion.