BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad

There’s something undeniably delicious about a good salad, and the BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad is right at the top of my list. Imagine a sunny summer afternoon where friends and family gather for a backyard barbecue. The smoky aroma of grilled chicken fills the air, complemented by the crispness of freshly torn romaine lettuce and the tangy richness of a creamy dressing. This salad isn’t just a side; it’s the star of the show, bringing together flavors and textures that make every bite a joy. I can still remember the first time I made this dish. It was a warm evening, and I wanted something light yet satisfying. I decided to elevate my traditional Caesar salad by adding grilled chicken and my favorite BBQ sauce. The result? A vibrant dish that had everyone coming back for seconds.

What You’ll Need for BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad

Creating the BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad is all about using quality ingredients that work in harmony. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the juicy grilled chicken to the crunchy romaine lettuce. Together, they create a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a summer meal.

• 2-3 chicken breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts are marinated and grilled to perfection, adding protein and flavor.
• 1/2 cup brown or demerera sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade, balancing the savory flavors.
• 1/4 cup olive oil: A healthy fat that helps to tenderize the chicken and enhance the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: This adds depth and umami to the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: A salty component that complements the sweetness of the sugar.
• Juice from 1/2 lemon: Fresh citrus brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.
• 1/2 cup mayo: Essential for the creamy dressing that brings the salad together.
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt: Adds tang and creaminess to the dressing, making it lighter.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle kick and richness to the dressing.
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: A second dose for extra flavor in the dressing.
• 1/8 teaspoon anchovy paste: Adds depth to the dressing, enhancing its savory profile.
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dressing with aromatic flavor.
• Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and dressing.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Used for cooking the croutons, adding flavor and richness.
• 2 slices bread: The base for croutons, adding crunch to the salad.
• Your favorite BBQ sauce: A delicious glaze for the grilled chicken, contributing sweetness and smokiness.
• 1 head romaine lettuce, torn: The base of the salad, offering a crisp texture.
• 1 avocado: Creamy and nutritious, it complements the other ingredients well.
• Parmesan cheese, shaved, to taste: For a finishing touch of flavor and elegance.

Step by Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad

Ready to make the BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad? Let’s get cooking! This process is straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut them in half so you have thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly on the grill.
2. Add the marinade ingredients: brown sugar, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice into a large ZipLoc bag. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least thirty minutes, or up to two hours if you have the time to let those flavors really soak in.
3. While the chicken marinates, make the dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, the second dose of Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, minced garlic, and some salt and pepper. I just mix them using a spoon, but you can use a whisk if you prefer a smoother texture. Refrigerate the dressing until you’re ready to use it.
4. Prepare the croutons. Slice the bread into your desired size for croutons. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Fry the bread until golden, about five minutes. Set aside.
5. To cook the chicken, oil the grill grate and preheat it to high. Once hot, lower the heat to medium-high. This ensures a nice sear on the chicken while cooking it evenly.
6. Meanwhile, tear the romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces and slice the avocado. Shave Parmesan cheese using a vegetable peeler for nice thin pieces.
7. Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Brush the top with your favorite BBQ sauce. Grill for about four minutes, then flip. Brush the other side with BBQ sauce and cook for another four minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips.
9. Assemble the salad! In a large bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, croutons, avocado, and Parmesan cheese with the dressing until everything is well coated.
10. Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavors and textures!

Variations to Try

If you’re looking to switch things up with your BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad, there are plenty of delicious variations you can try!

• Grilled Veggies: Add some grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added color and flavor.
• Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, try grilled shrimp or tofu for a lighter version.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing for a spicy twist.
• Herbed Croutons: Mix dried herbs into your crouton mix for an aromatic touch.
• Caesar Dressing Variation: Try a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option or add fresh herbs for a flavor boost.
• Seasonal Add-Ins: In fall, add roasted sweet potatoes or in winter, try adding some nuts for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving the BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad, the possibilities are endless!

• Perfect for Lunch: This salad makes for a hearty lunch option. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Ideal for Dinner Parties: Impress your guests by serving this as a main course at dinner parties.
• Picnic Delight: Pack it up for a picnic! It travels well, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to toss.
• Seasonal Pairing: Pair it with summer fruits like watermelon or grilled corn for a refreshing touch.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for meal prep! Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
• Perfect for Game Day: Serve it at your next game day gathering as a tasty and satisfying snack for your guests.

FAQ

Conclusion

The BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad brings together all your favorite flavors in a fresh, vibrant dish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or parties. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s bound to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy the delightful combination of grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, and a creamy dressing, and get ready for compliments!

BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad

The ultimate summer dish! This BBQ Chicken Caesar Salad is both satisfying and refreshing, featuring grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and a creamy dressing. A perfect easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 pieces chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup brown or demerera sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 pieces lemon (Juice from)
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1/2 pieces lemon (Juice from)
• 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
• to taste Salt & pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 slices bread
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 head romaine lettuce (torn)
• 1 pieces avocado
• Parmesan cheese (shaved, to taste)

Equipment

• Grater
• Skillet
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut them in half so you have thinner cutlets.
2. Add the marinade ingredients in a large ZipLoc bag. Marinate chicken (in the fridge) for 30 minutes or up to two hours.
3. Make the dressing by combining dressing ingredients (I just mix them using a spoon). Refrigerate until needed.
4. Make the croutons by slicing the bread into desired size crouton bits then frying on medium heat with the butter and garlic for about five minutes or until they're golden.
5. To cook the chicken, oil the grate and pre-heat the grill (we used a BBQ) to high, then turn it down to medium-high heat.
6. Meanwhile, tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces, slice the avocado, and shave the Parmesan cheese (I just used my potato peeler!).
7. Place chicken on the grill, brush the top with BBQ sauce, turn after about four minutes, brush the other side with BBQ sauce, and cook another four minutes or until it's cooked through.
8. Assemble salad by tossing the lettuce, croutons, avocado, and cheese with the dressing. Slice the chicken once it's cooked and place it on top.

Notes

• Tip 1: Serves 4 as an entree-sized salad.
• Tip 2: Serves 6+ as an appetizer/side.

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Meet Carmen Rhoades

Precision is key to a perfect feast, and I apply that rigor to everything I do here. I am deeply involved in measuring, timing, and refining the techniques behind our recipes. I have cooked this dish multiple times, troubleshooting every step so that your experience in the kitchen is seamless and successful.