Caesar Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread features crisp romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken breast, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Salad bowl
- Tongs
- Grater or vegetable peeler (for Parmesan)
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Grill pan or skillet (for chicken)
- Plate or tray (for resting chicken)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- For Caesar dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
Ensure the chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for even cooking and easier slicing. Use fresh romaine lettuce for optimal crispness, and opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese, either shaved or grated, to enhance the salad's authentic flavor. The anchovy fillets in the Caesar dressing contribute a traditional savory depth, but you can omit them if you prefer a milder taste. Measure ingredients accurately for the dressing to balance tanginess and creaminess perfectly. Your Caesar Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread copycat will taste closest to the original by following these ingredient tips precisely.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil; season with salt and black pepper.
- Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to plate; let rest 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, wash and dry romaine; chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, anchovy fillets (if using), and grated Parmesan; whisk until smooth.
- Season dressing with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Slice rested chicken into strips.
- In salad bowl, toss romaine with Caesar dressing using tongs.
- Add croutons and shaved Parmesan; toss gently.
- Top salad with sliced chicken.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Caesar Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread copycat recipe combines crisp romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breast, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese with a creamy Caesar dressing for an authentic and satisfying taste. When substituting ingredients, you can use kale or mixed greens instead of romaine lettuce to add more texture and nutrients. If fresh anchovy fillets are unavailable for the dressing, anchovy paste or a splash of fish sauce provides a similar umami flavor. Grilled chicken can be swapped with rotisserie chicken for convenience or tofu for a vegetarian option. Your dressing texture can be adjusted by adding a little water or olive oil if it becomes too thick during mixing.
Tips
Use a sharp chef's knife to chop the romaine lettuce into even, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture in every bite. When grilling chicken breasts, allow them to rest on a plate or tray for at least 5 minutes after cooking to keep the meat juicy and tender. Whisk the Caesar dressing thoroughly to blend ingredients like garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan evenly; taste and adjust salt and pepper before tossing with the salad. You should add croutons and shaved Parmesan last to maintain their crunch and freshness in your Caesar Salad with Chicken.
Nutritions
Caesar Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread provides a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. The grilled chicken breast supplies lean protein essential for muscle repair and satiety, while romaine lettuce offers dietary fiber, vitamin A, and folate to support immune and digestive health. Parmesan cheese adds calcium and phosphorus for bone strength, complemented by healthy fats from olive oil and mayonnaise in the dressing. You can enjoy this salad as a nutrient-dense option for a satisfying meal under 600 calories.
Storage
Store leftover Caesar Salad with Chicken in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess, separating croutons to keep them crunchy. Refrigerate the salad within two hours of preparation and consume within 1-2 days to ensure food safety and optimal flavor. Your chicken should be stored separately if possible to avoid moisture affecting the lettuce texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken breasts with roasted or pan-seared turkey breast for a leaner protein option. For a vegetarian version of the Caesar dressing, replace anchovy fillets with capers or omit them entirely, using extra Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce to maintain umami flavor. Try using kale or mixed greens instead of romaine for added texture and nutritional variety. Toast your own croutons using garlic and herbs in olive oil to enhance the crunch and aroma of your salad.
Allergies
Caesar Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread contains common allergens such as dairy from Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise, as well as fish from anchovy fillets in the dressing. Croutons may contain gluten, and Worcestershire sauce can contain soy or other allergens, which may affect those with sensitivities. You should check ingredient labels or communicate dietary restrictions before consuming this meal to avoid allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
The Caesar Salad with Chicken from Panera Bread stands out due to its crisp Romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken, and creamy Parmesan Caesar dressing that perfectly balance flavor and nutrition. Its combination of protein and fresh greens provides a satisfying, healthy meal option ideal for lunch or dinner. You can recreate this restaurant favorite at home, allowing customization of ingredients and control over freshness and portion size. Making the copycat version saves money while delivering the same delicious taste and quality you enjoy at Panera Bread.