This Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad is a hearty, protein-packed twist on the classic Caesar. It combines crispy romaine lettuce, golden croutons, grilled chicken breast, shaved Parmesan, and a creamy homemade dressing full of bold, tangy flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe offers a perfect balance of texture and richness in every bite.

What is Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Caesar Salad?

Jamie Oliver’s version of Chicken Caesar Salad adds juicy pan-fried or grilled chicken breast to the traditional mix of romaine lettuce, Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing. The homemade dressing typically includes olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovies, and sometimes a touch of yogurt or mayo for creaminess. It’s light yet filling, with bold, savory flavors.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Protein-Rich and Satisfying – Great for lunch or dinner
Bold, Zesty Dressing – Homemade and full of flavor
Crispy, Crunchy, Creamy Balance – Perfect textures in every bite
Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients, minimal fuss
Customizable – Add eggs, bacon, or avocado if desired

Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad

For the salad:

Romaine Lettuce (2 heads, chopped)
Chicken Breasts (2, skinless and boneless)
Olive Oil (1 tbsp, for cooking)
Croutons (1½ cups, homemade or store-bought)
Parmesan Cheese (50g / ½ cup, shaved)
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

For the Caesar dressing:

Garlic (1 small clove, minced)
Anchovy Fillets (2, finely chopped)
Dijon Mustard (1 tsp)
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tsp)
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed)
Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt (3 tbsp)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 tbsp)
Grated Parmesan (2 tbsp)
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Equipment Needed

Frying pan or grill pan
Salad bowl
Mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Knife and chopping board

Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Cook the chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.

Step 2: Make the dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, anchovies, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and mayonnaise/yogurt. Slowly whisk in the olive oil, then stir in the grated Parmesan. Season to taste.

Step 3: Prepare the salad base

Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop or tear into large pieces. Place in a large bowl with croutons and Parmesan shavings.

Step 4: Assemble the salad

Add the sliced chicken to the bowl. Drizzle with the Caesar dressing and toss everything together gently until well coated.

Step 5: Serve

Divide onto plates, top with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad recipe

What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad

Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread – Ideal for scooping up extra dressing
Soft-Boiled Eggs – Add richness and extra protein
Crispy Bacon Bits – For smoky flavor
Avocado Slices – Creamy contrast
Lemon Wedges – To brighten the dish
Chilled Sparkling Water or White Wine – For a light pairing

Expert Tips for the Best Chicken Caesar Salad

Let Chicken Rest Before Slicing – Keeps it juicy
Use Day-Old Bread for Croutons – Toast in olive oil for best crunch
Balance the Dressing – Adjust lemon, garlic, and salt to taste
Don’t Overdress the Salad – Add dressing gradually
Grill the Chicken for Extra Flavor – Adds a smoky char

Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad

Add Soft-Boiled Eggs – For richness
Swap Chicken for Salmon or Shrimp – A seafood twist
Make It Vegetarian – Omit chicken and anchovies; add roasted chickpeas
Add Pasta or Quinoa – Turn it into a filling grain salad
Use Kale Instead of Romaine – Massage it first for tenderness

Best Practices to Store Leftovers

Store Undressed Components Separately – Keeps lettuce crisp
Refrigerate Dressing in a Sealed Jar – Lasts up to 3 days
Chicken Can Be Cooked Ahead – Store in an airtight container
Avoid Freezing – Salad ingredients don’t freeze well
Toss Fresh Before Serving – Best texture and flavor

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 2 servings)

Calories: ~450
Protein: ~35g
Fat: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Fiber: ~3g

FAQs

Can I make Jamie Oliver’s Chicken Caesar Salad in advance?

You can prep the components ahead of time—cook the chicken, make the dressing, and wash the lettuce—but combine everything just before serving to maintain the crispness.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it fresh?

Yes, using leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and still works well with the Caesar flavors.

Is it necessary to use anchovies in the dressing?

Anchovies add traditional umami depth, but you can skip them or replace with Worcestershire sauce for a milder alternative.

Can I use another type of lettuce besides romaine?

Yes, you can substitute with little gem, iceberg, or baby kale, but romaine is preferred for its crispness and ability to hold dressing well.

Final Words

This Jamie Oliver Chicken Caesar Salad is a deliciously balanced meal—hearty, crisp, and full of flavor.