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Crispy Rotisserie Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe with Easy Homemade Croutons

crispy rotisserie chicken caesar salad - featured image

A quick and easy Caesar salad featuring crispy rotisserie chicken, fresh romaine, creamy homemade dressing, and garlicky homemade croutons. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped (skin on for extra crispiness)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups day-old bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (French baguette or sourdough)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  2. Bake croutons for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add water if a thinner dressing is desired. Set aside.
  4. Chop romaine into bite-sized pieces and shred or chop rotisserie chicken. Toss lettuce in a large salad bowl.
  5. Add shredded chicken and homemade croutons to the lettuce. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the top, starting with half and tossing gently. Add more dressing if desired.
  6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and black pepper over the salad. Toss carefully to combine without bruising the lettuce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispiness.

Notes

Use day-old bread for croutons to ensure crispiness. Pan-sear shredded chicken briefly for extra crisp texture. Keep dressing and croutons separate until serving to avoid sogginess. Substitute gluten-free bread for gluten-free version, Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for lighter dressing, and dairy-free Parmesan for vegan adaptation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, rotisserie chicken, homemade croutons, easy salad, quick dinner, comfort food, healthy salad