Name: Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 large romaine hearts halved lengthwise; Caesar dressing; Grated Parmesan cheese; Croutons; Lemon wedges for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken is one of those dinners that feels fancy, tastes absolutely spectacular, but secretly comes together in less than half an hour. The smoky char from the grill transforms romaine into something irresistible, while juicy chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, savory Parmesan, and crunchy croutons bring all the classic Caesar flavors you love—but with a delightful twist. If you’re looking to shake up your usual salad routine or impress guests with minimum effort, this colorful dish is sure to become a new go-to for both weeknights and celebrations alike.

Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken is all about letting great ingredients shine, so quality really counts here. Each component adds a unique touch—crisp greens, juicy protein, creamy dressing, salty cheese, and crunchy croutons all mingle for an unforgettable salad experience. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these become juicy and flavorful with the simple spice blend and quick grilling.
Romaine hearts: Their firm, crunchy leaves hold up wonderfully on the grill, adding a smoky depth to the salad.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the romaine caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Salt and black pepper: Season both chicken and romaine and bring out all the natural flavors.
Garlic powder: Adds an irresistible, savory kick to the chicken.
Paprika: A hint of smoky, sweet heat that pairs perfectly with grilled flavors.
Caesar dressing: The essential creamy, tangy finish—go with your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it melts ever so slightly onto the warm greens and chicken.
Croutons: That essential crunch you want in every bite of a Caesar salad.
Lemon wedges: A squeeze at the table brightens up every bite and ties all the flavors together.

How to Make Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot for both the chicken and romaine. Pat the chicken breasts dry, then rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated—this is where you’re building rich, mouthwatering flavor right from the start.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts directly on the grill grates and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want them to get lovely grill marks and cook through until the juices run clear (a quick thermometer check—165°F for chicken—is always reassuring). Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest for a few minutes. This resting time keeps the juices locked in so every bite is tender, not dry.

Step 3: Prepare the Romaine

While the chicken is resting, lightly brush the cut sides of your romaine hearts with olive oil and sprinkle them with just a pinch of salt and pepper. The oil helps prevent sticking and ensures the leaves get those delicious caramelized grill marks.

Step 4: Grill the Romaine

Place the romaine halves cut-side down directly onto the grill. Give them about 1 to 2 minutes—just enough to get a light char and a little wilt. The goal is smoky flavor, not soggy leaves! Quickly transfer them to a plate to cool slightly while you finish prepping everything else.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Arrange the grilled romaine halves on plates. Slice the rested chicken breasts thinly and fan the slices over the greens. Drizzle generously with Caesar dressing, shower with grated Parmesan cheese, and scatter the crunchy croutons over the top. Serve with plenty of lemon wedges on the side for that fresh, zesty squeeze right before taking your first bite.

How to Serve Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken

Garnishes

With a dish this tempting, garnishes are your chance to make it even more special. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or lemon zest for brightness, add a grind of black pepper, or toss on a handful of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. A little drizzle of good olive oil before serving takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

This Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken is a satisfying meal on its own, but it also welcomes sidekicks! Serve it alongside a bowl of chilled gazpacho for a summer dinner, pair it with grilled corn or roasted potatoes, or set out a platter of juicy cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve each grilled romaine half whole on an elongated plate, chicken artfully sliced on top. Layer in roasted cherry tomatoes or a soft-boiled egg for a bistro-style salad. Or, for a fun twist, slice everything and toss together in a big salad bowl for an easygoing, shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken, store the components separately for best results. Keep the grilled chicken, romaine, and dressing in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the crisp lettuce from getting soggy and the croutons from losing their crunch.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen (once cooled, slice and freeze in a well-sealed bag for up to two months), the grilled romaine and assembled salad don’t freeze well. Romaine loses its crispness and the dressing texture changes, so stick to chilling leftovers and enjoy within a couple days.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, gently warm slices in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave just until heated through. The romaine is best eaten at room temperature or cold—skip reheating to preserve its texture. Add croutons and dressing right before serving for the freshest results.

FAQs

Can I make Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on your stovetop or even a cast-iron skillet will work beautifully. You’ll still get lovely caramelization and the unique twist that grilling brings to lettuce and chicken.

What’s the best Caesar dressing for this recipe?

Choose your favorite! Classic store-bought Caesar dressing works great, or whip up a homemade one if you have the time—either way, it ties the whole Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken together.

Can I use another type Main Course

Definitely. Grilled shrimp, salmon, or even slices of steak make tasty substitutions. For a vegetarian twist, try grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy chickpeas to keep that hearty feel.

How do I keep the romaine from wilting too much?

Grill the romaine briefly—just 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll get beautiful charred edges without losing the refreshing crunch inside. Watch closely, and remove it from the grill as soon as it picks up color.

What are some fun add-ins to boost this salad?

If you want to give your Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken an extra punch, toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, thinly shaved red onions, or top with a soft-boiled egg or crispy bacon bits. It’s versatile and ready for your favorite upgrades.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken enough—it’s truly a celebration of flavor, texture, and seasonal freshness, all with a crowd-pleasing presentation. Once you try grilling romaine, you’ll see how it completely transforms a classic Caesar salad into something truly memorable. Give it a go, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love just like I did!

Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad with this Grilled Romaine Caesar with Chicken recipe. Grilled romaine hearts serve as the base for tender, flavorful chicken slices, topped with Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

For the Salad:

2 large romaine hearts halved lengthwise
Caesar dressing
Grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons
Lemon wedges for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Slice thinly.
Grill the Romaine: Brush romaine halves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill cut-side down for 1–2 minutes until charred.
Assemble the Salad: Arrange grilled romaine on plates, top with sliced chicken, Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons. Serve with lemon wedges.