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    Home » Recipes » Dish Type » Salads

    Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (with Clancy's Caesar Dressing)

    Published: Aug 9, 2018 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Jul 2, 2023 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

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    Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
    The best Grilled Chicken Caesar salad

    In my youth I worked in many restaurants and in the process, I ate a lot of restaurant food. I can’t tell you just how many BAD Caesar salads I've eaten in my day, but there were a lot. And it certainly wasn’t easy to find a good one.

    The best Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe - foodmeanderings.com

    Then everything changed when my little brother got a job working at a now-defunct restaurant called Clancy’s,  in Winnipeg in the early 1990s. That was how we discovered this amazing Caesar salad dressing recipe, which I use in this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. With a tangy and delicious garlicky dressing, crunchy croutons, and crunchy romaine lettuce, this will be the best Caesar salad you ever eat! Every time I bring it anywhere, I get asked for a recipe. So, if you're looking for Ceasar salad dinner ideas, you'll love this one!

    Jump to:
    • 📋More Restaurant Copycat Recipes
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🧂Chicken seasoning for Caesar Salad
    • 📖 Variations & Substitutions
    • 🍽Equipment
    • 💭Storing 
    • 💭What to do with leftover Caesar Salad Dressing
    • 🥗 Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

    However, my very first job was a "salad girl" at Bonanza. I was 14 years old.

    I recall my parents having to sign some special form to say I could work; I had begged them. I wanted to have my own money and a real job so badly; not just the chump change I was earning from babysitting at the time.

    Surprisingly, for a restaurant that had the biggest salad bar around at the time, (so big that they needed 2 'salad girls' stocking it during the dinner shift) Bonanza had one of the worst Caesar salads I ever tasted! 

    The best Caesar salad dressing

    📋More Restaurant Copycat Recipes

    BUT they did have an amazing Monterey Chicken! There are very few restaurant recipes that I want to recreate, but Bonanza's Monterey Chicken was definitely one of them! And now my mission to recreate it has been successful! I actually contacted a couple of people who worked there with me back in the 80s, and based on their memories and my own, I was finally about to pretty much nail it!

    And although I personally never actually worked at Moxie’s, I have eaten there a lot over the years and adore Moxie's Steak Salad with Clamato Dressing! (shown below) And I happen to think I've done a pretty darn good job of recreating it (in a healthy Weight Watchers Way, of course!) And my IHOP Grain & Nut Pancake Copycat recipe is also a delicious rendition of the original. And since I LOVE Calgary ginger beef, I have created a copycat version of The Calgary Ginger Beef Restaurant's Ginger Beef Recipe.

    Healthy Grilled Steak Salad | Moxie's copycat - Foodmeanderings.com

    However, this recipe is not a copycat; this Classic Chicken Caesar Salad recipe with chicken is the real deal. I'm soo lucky that I don't even have to try to recreate it because my brother got the actual recipe many years ago. It's the perfect combo of tangy and creamy Caesar salad dressing!

    🥘 Ingredients

    I'm not exaggerating when I say this Chicken Caesar salad dressing is THE BEST!

    Whenever I bring it to a dinner or potluck I always get asked for the recipe. My Mom started making this salad dressing back then and it has become a cherished family classic. If this Caesar salad is not served at a special meal or gathering in our family, it is very unusual. I moved away from home many years ago, but I still serve this salad at every special meal I make. 

    So what's the magic ingredient? I would have to say it's anchovies. They make a huge difference in Caesar salad dressing and add that nice touch of saltiness, without too much fishiness. For this recipe, you'll also need:

    For the Chicken Caesar salad dressing:

    • olive oil - it's important you use this type of oil - it keeps the dressing night and light!
    • garlic-fresh is best, but if you are in a pinch, you can use jarred minced garlic
    • Worcestershire sauce 
    • lemon juice from concentrate
    • white wine vinegar
    • eggs *This recipe uses raw eggs. If you are concerned about this, then use pasteurized whole eggs or liquid eggs. **You can read more about egg safety HERE. and HERE! There is a risk of illness/food poisoning/Salmonella if you use raw eggs. 

    For the salad:

    • romaine lettuce - don't use leaf or head lettuce. Romaine lettuce stays crunchy in a salad without quickly wilting, especially when it's saturated in a heavy Caesar salad dressing.
    • croutons
    • parmesan cheese
    • chicken breast
    • garlic powder
    • Cajun seasoning - can substitute a little chili powder or cayenne pepper
    • lemon wedges (optional)
    Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

    🧂Chicken seasoning for Caesar Salad

    I like to keep it simple and use garlic powder and Cajun seasoning when I grill chicken. I think this is the best seasoning for grilled chicken!

    📖 Variations & Substitutions

    • Cajun seasoning: If you don't have Cajun seasoning, I would recommend you buy some! It's great for seasoning meat, especially for the grill. However, in a pinch, you could substitute chili powder or cayenne pepper.
    • Anchovies: I often keep a tube of anchovy paste in the fridge as a backup, in case I don't have canned anchovies on hand.
    • Grilled chicken: I can't always grill the chicken on the BBQ, so I often cook it on the stovetop.  You can also use a stovetop grill like this if you want grill marks (below). It functions just like a frying pan. *See Equipment* Alternatively, you could use boneless chicken breasts instead.
    3 pieces of chicken breast on grill with BBQ sauce being spread on one piece

    When I took that job at Bonanza at the age of 14 my parents told me I'd have plenty of time to work and instead, I should just enjoy being a kid. I wish I listened to them because I’ve been working ever since.

    And by the age of 30 I was pretty much ready to retire. Several years later, I am still ready to retire, but that won't be for a while yet. Fortunately, I'm not working in the restaurant business, as I had my fill of that for a lifetime. And although my parents were right, one thing I have no regrets about is being introduced to Bonanza's Chicken Monterey. But I'm especially thankful that my brother did his own stint in restaurants and was able to score this amazing Classic Chicken Caesar recipe!

    🍽Equipment

    You will need a blender, and a """ target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow">large salad bowl. You can grill the chicken on your outdoor grill or use an indoor grill pan (affiliate links) that goes right on your stovetop.

    **NOTE: Checking for doneness with grilled meats

    Did you know that temperature is the BEST way to check for doneness when it comes to grilled meat?  No more cutting into your meat mid-grilling, guessing or hoping it's done. I use this instant-read thermometer and it's one of the very best kitchen tools I've ever invested in!

    • I use my Thermapen for everything from baking pie and bread to eggs, casseroles, candy making, and more!
    • This amazing little tool instantly and accurately measures temperature with a quick poke. And it's not just for the grill, it's the go-to kitchen instrument trusted by the world's most acclaimed chefs and BBQ champions (it's one of Alton Brown's 'favorite things')!
    • And it comes with a handy little chart that gives you chef-recommended temperatures, as well as the minimum done temps for food safety. 

    This thermometer is a game-changer!

    If you love cooking, baking, or grilling, this tool is a must-have!

    💭Storing 

    I would recommend storing the salad separate from both the chicken and the dressing in an airtight container, as it gets very mushy when mixed together. And if you use unpasteurized/raw eggs, then I do NOT recommend storing and eating leftovers (or doing so at your own risk).

    💭What to do with leftover Caesar Salad Dressing

    I always end up with a little extra dressing (or make sure I do now that I created these) So if you have leftover Caesar salad dressing, then give these Caesar Twice Baked Potatoes a try. They are soooo tasty!

    Caesar Twice Baked Potatoes

    I loved this Caesar salad dressing recipe so much that it inspired me to create this Fried Caesar Chicken!

    Fried Caesar Chicken | picnic chicken - foodmeanderings.com

    If you are looking for the best restaurant style, creamy Caesar salad dressing, or simply looking for ceasar salad dinner ideas, you'll love this one!

    Food Meandering Logo

    🥗 Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

    This Grilled Chicken Caesar salad boasts the best creamy Caesar salad dressing ever! And anyone that has tried it agrees. This recipe came from a restaurant (Clancy's) that no longer exists, but it has become a family favorite and always requested at dinners and potlucks!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: main, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Canadian, North American
    Keyword: caesar salad, chicken, grilled
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 186kcal
    Author: Terri Gilson
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    blender
    salad bowl

    Ingredients

    • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breast
    • Cajun seasoning
    • Garlic powder

    Caesar Salad Dressing:

    • 2 whole eggs * you can use pasturized whole eggs or pasturized liquid eggs
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 1 -50g can of anchovies (drained) * you can substitute anchovy paste
    • 1 ounce worcestershire sauce
    • 1 ounce lemon juice
    • 1 ounce white wine vingegar
    • 1 cup olive oil

    Salad:

    • ⅓ cup parmesan cheese
    • 1 -142 g bag of ceasar salad croutons
    • 1-2 head romaine lettuce washed and dried *or use romaine hearts

    Garnish:

    • parmesan cheese for sprinkling
    • lemon wedges (optional)
    • black pepper
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Generously sprinkle garlic powder and Cajun seasoning on both sides of boneless skinless chicken breasts. Grill chicken breasts over medium-high heat until cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
    • Cut chicken into bite-size pieces.
    • Wash and cut lettuce into bite sized pieces. Add croutons, parmeasan cheese and cooked chicken.

    Caesar Salad Dressing

    • Add eggs, garlic, anchovies, wine vinegar, Worcestershire and lemon juice to blender and mix until smooth.
    • Then turn blender down to low setting ang slowly add olive oil and blend for another minute or so, until combined.
    • Mix dressing into lettuce mixture until combined. Sprinkle on a little more parmesan cheese , black pepper, and add lemon wedges, if desired.

    Notes

    *NOTE: This recipe uses raw eggs. If you are concerned about this, then use pasteurized whole eggs or liquid eggs. **You can read more about egg safety HERE. and HERE! There is a risk of illness/food poisoning/Salmonella if you use raw eggs.
    **NOTE: Read how you can pasteurize eggs in the microwave at home HERE!
     
    Nutrition Facts
    🥗 Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 186 Calories from Fat 63
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7g11%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Cholesterol 116mg39%
    Sodium 246mg11%
    Potassium 479mg14%
    Carbohydrates 1g0%
    Protein 26g52%
    Vitamin A 425IU9%
    Vitamin C 3.7mg4%
    Calcium 64mg6%
    Iron 0.9mg5%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 186kcal (9%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 26g (52%) | Fat: 7g (11%) | Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) | Cholesterol: 116mg (39%) | Sodium: 246mg (11%) | Potassium: 479mg (14%) | Vitamin A: 425IU (9%) | Vitamin C: 3.7mg (4%) | Calcium: 64mg (6%) | Iron: 0.9mg (5%)
    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
    Rate this Recipe

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elaine

      August 12, 2018 at 9:38 pm

      I had forgotten all about Bonanza restaurants! We used to take our kids to the one in Victoria years ago. Some of the salad bar items were good, others not so much! Caesar Salad is my hubby’s favourite and you’ve paired it with Cajun chicken which I love! Great classic recipe Terri!

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        August 12, 2018 at 10:15 pm

        Thanks, Elaine! I still miss Bonanza 🙁

        Reply
    2. Jo Vanderwolf

      August 13, 2018 at 12:03 pm

      I need this in my life! Your dressing definitely sounds like a keeper. So many restaurants have lousy caesar salads, I usually just make it at home. Next time I make it I'm trying out your recipe. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        August 16, 2018 at 6:32 am

        Hi Jo- Thanks! Yes, it soo hard to get a decent caesar salad in a restaurant. I hope you enjoy the recipe!

        Reply
    3. Colleen

      August 14, 2018 at 7:00 am

      You're so right, there are a lot of bad Caesar salad dressings out there. Yours looks closer to the classic, which is always delicious. Bonanza restaurants! I forgot about them, too.

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        August 16, 2018 at 6:33 am

        Hi Colleen,
        Thanks! Still miss Bonanza 🙂

        Reply
    4. Denise from Urb’n’Spice

      August 14, 2018 at 11:19 am

      Thank you for this great restaurant recipe, Terri! I am quite familiar with them and this one sounds like a keeper for sure! Chicken Caesars Salads are a favourite in our house. Thanks so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        August 16, 2018 at 6:34 am

        Thanks, Denise! Not many people remember Clancy's, so it's nice to hear you do :).

        Reply

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    I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer, and a busy working mom who is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks, and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

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