Presenting a classic Caesar salad — this is a lovely, satisfying dish where crisp lettuce meets juicy chicken and a creamy, tangy dressing, the perfect bit of midweek luxury, or even a head-turning starter. A homemade dressing and croutons take this Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe to the next level, and keep you coming back for more, alongside freshly-grated Parmesan. It’s proof that salads can be confounding, soothing and downright delicious.
Why You’ll Love It
- Filling Protein: Juicy, well-seasoned chicken gives this enough heft to go from side salad to main-course meal.
- Crunch factor: Homemade croutons and crisp Romaine lettuce make for a great crunchy bite.
- Tangy Dressing: This creamy Caesar dressing packs a punch of flavor from garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan—you’ll love it.
Ingredient Fun Facts & Tips
- Romaine Lettuce: It’s rich in vitamins A and K, and provides a refreshing foundation for denser components.
- Anchovies: Do not be deterred if you are not a fan of fish — anchovies add a delicate saltiness to the dressing without the dish tasting fishy.
- Parmesan Cheese: A classic Caesar ingredient; it’s aged and very flavorful, so a small amount is sufficient.
Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe by Jamie Oliver
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (preferably free-range)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- A drizzle of olive oil
For the Dressing
- 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or light mayo
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
For the Salad
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce, washed and torn
- 2 slices of bread, cut into bite-size cubes for croutons
- A drizzle of olive oil (for the croutons)
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
- Liberally sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and put them on to an oven tray.
- Roast for around 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (juices run clear and internal temperature reads 75°C/165°F). Let rest before slicing.
Prepare the Croutons
- While the chicken cooks, toss your bread cubes with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.
- Spread them across a baking tray and roast for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped anchovy fillets, minced garlic, yogurt (or mayo), grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce (if using) and whisk together.
- Add a small pinch of salt and pepper to taste. If it’s too thick, thin it with a splash of water or olive oil.
Assemble the Salad
- Add the torn Romaine lettuce to a large bowl.
- Once the chicken breasts have rested, slice them and scatter on top of the lettuce.
- Drizzle generously with your Caesar dressing, then lightly toss everything to coat.
- Add the crunchy croutons, and top with another grating of Parmesan.
Serve & Enjoy
- Dig in immediately, while the croutons are crunchy and the dressing is fresh. This Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe proves that there is no denying a homemade approach—once you go homemade, you never go back!
Nutritional Information per Serving
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Calories: ~450 kcal
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 20g
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Sugars: 5g
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Fat: 25g
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Saturated Fat: 4g
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Fiber: 4g
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Salt: 1.5g
👨🍳 [DID YOU KNOW?] Interesting Facts about Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Caesar Salad
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Perfectly Roasted Chicken: The roasted chicken breasts are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and olive oil, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken to shine through while remaining juicy and tender. Roasting ensures a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the inside moist.
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Homemade Croutons: Making your own croutons instead of buying them adds a crunchy, fresh element to the salad. Tossing the bread cubes with olive oil and salt before roasting ensures they come out perfectly crisp and flavorful.
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Anchovy Magic: Although you might not think of anchovies when making a Caesar dressing, they provide a subtle depth of umami without making the dressing taste fishy. This gives the dressing that signature tang and richness.
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Customizable Dressing: The dressing is made with Greek yogurt or light mayo, making it a healthier option while maintaining that creamy texture. You can adjust the level of creaminess by varying the yogurt-to-mayo ratio, or even make it lighter by using more yogurt.
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Romaine Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is known for its crunch and is the perfect base for a Caesar salad. It’s packed with vitamins A and K, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Wine Pairing
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White Wine:
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Chardonnay (unoaked): A crisp, clean Chardonnay pairs well with the creamy dressing and the savory flavors of the chicken, enhancing the freshness of the lettuce.
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Sauvignon Blanc: Its bright acidity and herbal notes work well with the tangy dressing and cut through the richness of the cheese and chicken.
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Red Wine:
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Pinot Noir: A light red with soft tannins that won’t overpower the dish’s flavors but complements the earthiness of the chicken and croutons.
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Beer:
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Pilsner: A crisp pilsner refreshes the palate and works well with the crunchy croutons and creamy dressing, adding a light, refreshing contrast.
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