If you love the smoky allure of grilled chicken paired with the crisp crunch of fresh romaine, then you’re going to adore this BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Caesar, bringing together tender BBQ-glazed chicken, creamy avocado, and homemade garlicky croutons all tossed in a dreamy, tangy dressing. This salad isn’t just a meal – it’s a celebration of texture and flavor that’s perfect for a sunny lunch or a satisfying dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe right means gathering just the right ingredients, each adding its own magic to the dish. From the caramelized sweetness in the marinade to the fresh zest of lemon in the dressing, every component enhances the balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color.
- Chicken breasts: Butterflied and sliced for quick, even grilling and a tender bite every time.
- Brown or demerara sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the marinade.
- Olive oil: Brings moisture and richness to both the marinade and the dressing.
- Worcestershire sauce: Infuses deep, savory notes into the chicken and dressing alike.
- Soy sauce: Gives an umami boost that complements the BBQ flavor perfectly.
- Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty sparkle that cuts through the richness.
- Mayo and Greek yogurt: Create a creamy, tangy dressing that coats every leaf with lusciousness.
- Dijon mustard and anchovy paste: Classic Caesar elements that bring a subtle kick and depth.
- Garlic: Minced fresh to infuse both dressing and croutons with punchy aroma.
- Butter: For golden, buttery croutons that have just the right crisp.
- Bread slices: Your crouton base – going homemade always pays off in flavor and crunch.
- Your favorite BBQ sauce: The star glaze that transforms plain grilled chicken to BBQ perfection.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp, refreshing, and the perfect crisp canvas for all those bold toppings.
- Avocado: Creamy and rich, balancing the smoky and tangy beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese: Shaved fresh for that salty, nutty finish that Caesar salads are famous for.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by butterflying the chicken breasts and slicing them in half so your cutlets are thinner – this helps them cook quickly and evenly on the grill. It’s a simple trick that ensures each bite is tender and juicy without drying out.
Step 2: Marinate to Perfection
Combine brown sugar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and half a lemon’s juice in a large ZipLoc bag. Toss your chicken in this marinade and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to two hours. This step is key for infusing the chicken with sweetness, zest, and umami, creating that crave-worthy BBQ flavor foundation.
Step 3: Whip Up the Dressing
While your chicken marinates, mix the dressing ingredients: mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, a little Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. This creamy blend is your classic Caesar dressing base but with a brightness that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ notes to come. Chill it until you’re ready to dress.
Step 4: Make the Croutons
Cut your bread into crouton-sized pieces and sauté them in butter with minced garlic over medium heat. Keep an eye on them, tossing until they’re golden brown and crispy, about five minutes. These homemade croutons add the perfect garlicky crunch that makes this salad so special.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your BBQ or grill grate to high, then lower to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill so the chicken doesn’t stick. Lay the chicken pieces on the grill, brushing the top generously with your favorite BBQ sauce. After about four minutes, flip and glaze the other side. Cook for another four minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and gloriously glazed with that sticky, smoky sauce.
Step 6: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the chicken cooks, tear your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, slice the avocado, and shave the parmesan cheese using a potato peeler for delicate, flavorful ribbons. Having these fresh components ready helps you assemble the salad quickly and neatly once everything is done.
Step 7: Assemble Your BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Toss the torn lettuce, croutons, creamy avocado, and shaved parmesan with your chilled dressing. When the chicken is off the grill and sliced, lay it artfully on top and prepare for your first delicious bite. The layering of smoky chicken, crunchy croutons, creamy dressing, and crisp greens is truly irresistible.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra shaved Parmesan and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper make the salad pop just before serving. You can also add cherry tomatoes for a fresh contrast and a splash of color to brighten the plate.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with light, summery sides like grilled corn on the cob, roasted sweet potatoes, or even a chilled cucumber salad. Keep sides simple so the salad remains the shining star of your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in large, individual lettuce cups or hollow out small rustic loaves of bread for edible bowls. You could even present the chicken atop the salad in grilled strips or cubes for an elegant look that invites sharing and conversation at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover grilled chicken and dressing separate from the salad greens to avoid sogginess. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge and toss together just before serving the next day for the freshest taste.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen after cooking (wrapped tightly), it’s best not to freeze the assembled salad. Lettuce and dressing do not freeze well together and can become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your grilled chicken gently in a microwave or oven to preserve moisture, then add fresh salad and dressing for a quick meal that tastes freshly made. Avoid reheating the salad as a whole to keep crisp textures intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes! Thinner cuts like chicken tenders or sliced thighs work well too. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
What if I don’t have anchovy paste for the dressing?
You can omit it or substitute with a small amount of fish sauce or even capers blended into the dressing for that umami depth.
Can I make the BBQ sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch and you can customize the sweetness or smokiness to suit your taste.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb if you skip or reduce the croutons and use low-sugar BBQ sauce. The chicken, avocado, and greens keep it filling and nutritious.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
Between 30 minutes and 2 hours is ideal. Longer marinating might change the texture due to acidity but still won’t ruin the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe is one you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. It’s fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving an elevated salad for yourself, give this recipe a try – it’s comfort food upgraded with a smoky, tangy punch that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad is a delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring grilled BBQ chicken breast, homemade garlic butter croutons, a creamy Caesar dressing with a hint of anchovy, and fresh avocado slices. Perfect for a light yet flavorful meal that balances smoky, tangy, and creamy elements.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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 and pepper, to taste
Croutons
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 slices bread, cut into crouton-sized pieces
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Salad
- Your favorite BBQ sauce, for brushing grilled chicken
- 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Parmesan cheese, shaved to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut them in half to create thinner cutlets that will cook evenly and quickly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the marinade ingredients (brown sugar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice) in a large ZipLoc bag. Add the chicken, seal, and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to infuse flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the Croutons: Slice bread into crouton-sized pieces. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic. Fry the bread pieces in the butter and garlic for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Preheat the Grill: Oil the grill grate and preheat your BBQ grill to high heat. Once hot, reduce the temperature to medium-high for cooking.
- Prepare Salad Components: While the grill is heating, tear the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, slice the avocado, and shave Parmesan cheese using a potato peeler or vegetable peeler.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Brush the top side with BBQ sauce and cook for about 4 minutes. Flip the chicken, brush the other side with BBQ sauce, and grill for another 4 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the torn lettuce, homemade croutons, avocado slices, and shaved Parmesan cheese with the prepared Caesar dressing. Slice the grilled BBQ chicken and arrange it on top of the salad. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- For a lighter dressing, you can reduce or omit the mayonnaise.
- Anchovy paste enhances the traditional Caesar flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Use day-old bread for croutons to achieve extra crispness.
- Make sure to oil the grill to prevent chicken from sticking.
