Olivia McKenney
Creamy, crunchy, and absolutely irresistible—this Chicken Caesar Salad Dip takes everything you love about the classic Caesar salad and turns it into a hearty, scoopable appetizer. Imagine crisp romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken, bold Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons all layered up for a flavor-packed dip that’s perfect for parties, picnics, or even a casual family movie night.
Whether you’re hosting game day or just want something different for dinner, this dip delivers the comfort of creamy dip with the fresh zip of a salad. The chicken gives it staying power, while the crisp lettuce and garlicky dressing make each bite bright and satisfying. Pair it with toasted baguette slices, sturdy chips, or fresh veggies for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
The beauty of this dip is its flexibility. Grilled, baked, rotisserie—any cooked chicken works beautifully. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned and chopped or shredded finely for easy scooping. Leftovers from last night’s dinner or even store-bought grilled strips will do the trick in a pinch.
Ingredients for the Chicken Caesar Salad Dip
Romaine Lettuce – Provides that crisp, refreshing crunch at the base of the dip.
Cooked Chicken Breast – A hearty and protein-packed element; grilled or roasted chicken adds depth.
Caesar Dressing – The creamy, tangy heart of the recipe; choose one with strong parmesan and anchovy notes.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream – These ingredients balance and thicken the dip, creating a rich texture.
Garlic Powder and Black Pepper – Add seasoning that mimics traditional Caesar salad flavors.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated if possible; it adds a salty, umami-rich bite.
Croutons – For texture and flavor; these bring the salad crunch into every scoop.
Lemon Juice – Just a touch to brighten everything up and keep the flavors fresh.
How To Make the Chicken Caesar Salad Dip
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Chop or shred your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and break it down into chunks.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Caesar dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dip Base
In a shallow serving dish or bowl, create a base layer using chopped romaine lettuce. This gives your dip a refreshing crunch from the start.
Step 4: Layer the Chicken
Spoon the chopped chicken evenly over the lettuce layer, making sure each bite gets some hearty protein.
Step 5: Spread the Dressing
Gently dollop and spread the creamy Caesar mixture over the chicken. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out without pressing too hard.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Cheese and Croutons
Top the dip with a generous handful of grated parmesan cheese, followed by croutons for that essential crunch.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the dip for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled with crackers, sliced baguette, or crunchy veggie sticks.
Serving and Storing Chicken Caesar Salad Dip
This dip shines brightest when served chilled within an hour of assembling. If prepping ahead, keep the croutons separate and sprinkle them on just before serving to avoid sogginess. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the lettuce may lose some crispness over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep the lettuce from wilting?
Use fresh, dry romaine lettuce and add it right before serving. Avoid overdressing in advance to keep the leaves crisp.
Can I make this dip vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply skip the chicken or replace it with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version.
What’s the best Caesar dressing to use?
A thick, high-quality Caesar dressing with bold garlic and parmesan notes is key. Homemade or refrigerated store-bought varieties work best.
Can I make it a warm dip?
This one’s designed to be chilled, but if you’re craving a warm twist, leave out the lettuce and bake the creamy mixture with the chicken and cheese, then top with croutons.
What can I use instead of croutons?
Toasted pita chips, crushed bagel crisps, or even parmesan crisps are great alternatives for a different crunch.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If this Chicken Caesar Salad Dip won your heart, you might also love these satisfying appetizers:
- Taco Ranch Bites for a zesty, bite-sized treat.
- Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes that bring a whole lot of cheesy fun.
- Mississippi Sin Quiche for a decadent, savory option.
- Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls if you like it spicy and crispy.
- Meaty Texas Trash Dip for serious game-day comfort food.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for classic Caesar or add a twist with bacon or avocado? Maybe swapped the croutons for chips?
I love seeing how you all make these recipes your own. Share your tips, questions, or creations—we’re all learning together.
Chicken Caesar Salad Dip
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Description
This Chicken Caesar Salad Dip is a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed twist on the classic Caesar salad. With layers of romaine lettuce, savory chicken, creamy dressing, and crispy croutons, it’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or an elevated snack night. Serve it chilled with chips or bread slices for easy dipping.
Ingredients
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Caesar dressing, garlic powder, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix until creamy and well-blended.
- In a shallow serving dish, lay down the chopped romaine lettuce as the bottom layer.
- Evenly spread the chopped or shredded chicken over the lettuce.
- Spoon the Caesar mixture over the chicken and gently spread to cover.
- Top with grated parmesan cheese.
- Add croutons right before serving for maximum crunch.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Serve with chips, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
