Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad

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The perfect balance of flavors and texture sets this Chicken Bacon Caesar Salad apart!

It features BBQ-seasoned chicken breasts, Parmesan cheese, a generous drizzle of Caesar dressing, and a surprise crunchy panko breadcrumb topping, adding a unique twist to the traditional flavors of a Caesar salad.

We make this Caesar Chicken and Bacon Salad at least 2-3 times a month because it’s so simple to throw together, and I almost always have the ingredients on hand. I’m always looking for ways to use the crunchy topping. It’s so good!

If you’re looking for a lighter side salad option, check out my pear and feta salad or the always-popular classic wedge salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ideal for using leftover chicken: Don’t let leftover chicken go to waste. Use it to make a delicious salad with chicken and bacon.

Great source of protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, so this salad will keep you full for hours without the guilt of a heavy meal.

Perfect side dish or main course: You can serve the salad as a side dish instead of a main dish by omitting the chicken.

Classic Caesar Salad: This amazing salad is similar to what you’ll find in a restaurant, with a little twist from the bacon and the crunchy topping.

Caesar salad with chicken and bacon ingredients

See the recipe card below for ingredient portions.

Salad ingredients:

• Chicken Breast – I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you could substitute a rotisserie chicken to save time.
• BBQ Spice Blend—Try my easy homemade spice blend. It’s a great spice rub for protein, including fish, shrimp, pork, chicken wings, and more.
• Bacon- Crispy bacon adds some saltiness and texture to the salad.
• Romaine Lettuce – You can add any leafy green. Kale is a great addition or substitute.
• Parmesan Cheese – I love big pieces of parmesan slices in my salad. The nutty flavor is so darn good in this salad.
• Black Pepper – Fresh cracked is the best.
• Caesar Salad Dressing – Use your favorite store-bought creamy dressing, or try this homemade dressing from Love and Lemons.

For the crunchy topping:

• Panko Breadcrumbs – Grind a piece of sourdough bread in the food processor to make your breadcrumbs if you don’t have panko on hand.
• Butter – Salted or unsalted.
• Olive Oil – Butter can be substituted.

Ways to cook chicken breast

There are many ways to cook chicken breasts for this salad. Here are a couple of options:

Chicken breasts on the grill

Preheat the grill to 400 degrees. Add your chicken to the grill and cook on each side for 6 – 8 minutes.

Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 – 10 minutes before serving.

Full-proof oven-baked chicken breasts

Pound the chicken so that each breast is about the same thickness throughout.

Season the breasts with BBQ seasoning, and bake at 400 degrees for 18 minutes. Using a meat thermometer, confirm the chicken is at 165 degrees before removing it from the oven.

How to bake crispy bacon in the oven for the salad

• Place the bacon onto a baking sheet with parchment paper in a single layer.
• Bake at 400 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until it’s as crispy as you like. Place cooked bacon on paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Kitchen supplies to make a chicken and bacon salad

Baking Sheet

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Knife Set

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Tongs

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How to make chicken Caesar salad

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a baking sheet and coat both sides with BBQ seasoning. Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 degrees. Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 2: Combine romaine lettuce, crumbled bacon, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing and top with sliced chicken breasts.

For the Crunchy Topping

Step 1: Place butter in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the panko, garlic powder, paprika, and toast until golden brown. Set aside. If you don’t have any panko crumbs, add a couple of pieces of bread to a food processor and toast the crumbs.

Step 2: Sprinkle the crunch toppings over the salad before serving. Taste and adjust dressing as needed.

Rather use crunchy croutons?

These Homemade Croutons are crispy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. Bread cubes coated with olive oil, butter, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder come together for a perfectly seasoned crouton, ideal for salads, soups, or as a snack.

FAQs

Tips for making bacon Caesar salad

Prep ingredients: Wash and chop the Romaine lettuce in advance. To keep your lettuce fresh and crisp, place a paper towel with the lettuce in a bag or container to help absorb moisture.

Crispy Topping: The topping is good on your counter for 3-5 days, but I generally throw it in the freezer for future salads.

Storage and make ahead directions

Fridge: This bacon Caesar salad recipe can be kept for 4 days in an airtight container if the dressing has not been added. Be sure the chicken has come to room temperature before storing.

Freezer: Leftover chicken can be frozen for up to three months. Do not freeze lettuce.

Make-ahead: Prep all ingredients, including the chicken, a day or two before serving. Do not dress the salad until you are ready to serve.

Chicken Caesar variations

Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe – If you love Caesar salad, you’ve got to try this with pasta, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. It’s so good!

Shrimp Caesar Salad: Swap the chicken for grilled or sautéed shrimp to create a seafood twist on a traditional Caesar salad.

Avocado Caesar Salad: Incorporate sliced or chunks of creamy avocado into the salad for added richness and texture.

Kale Caesar Salad: Substitute romaine lettuce with chopped kale for a nutritious and hearty alternative. Massage the kale with the dressing to soften its texture.

Caesar Salad with Croutons: Make homemade croutons using artisan bread or sourdough seasoned with garlic and herbs to elevate the texture and flavor of the salad.

More Salad Recipes:

• Cranberry Chicken Salad
• Pesto Pasta Tuna Salad
• Broccoli Cauliflower Salad With Bacon
• Old Fashioned Ham Salad Recipe

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