How can you not adore an old-school Caesar salad—the crunch of the Romaine, the richness of the dressing, the crunch of the croutons, and the unavoidable Parmesan flavor. What if we took that classic salad and, you know, tossed it into appetizer status? Say hello to Chicken Caesar Salad Cups—crunchy wonton cups filled with all the comfort of a Caesar salad alongside tender bites of chicken. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or even a fun dinner at home, these little cups pack a punch of flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Caesar Salad Cups
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re hosting a party, making a light lunch, or simply looking for a creative twist on a classic dish, these salad cups are the way to go.
Is this Chicken Caesar Salad Cups recipe for you? Let’s find out. Chicken Caesar Salad Cups are…
- Crispy and crunchy. The wonton cups give a nice crispy base for the creamy salad.
- Packed with flavor. A garlicky, creamy Caesar dressing coats every bite.
- High in protein. With the chicken and Parmesan, this is a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
- Perfect for entertaining. Serve them as an appetizer or a snack at your next gathering!
- Really easy to customize. Top with extra toppings or change up the dressing to suit your taste.
Chicken Caesar Salad Cup Ingredients
This is all it takes to make these delicious little bites:
Caesar Salad Dressing: The tasty linchpin! The ideal Caesar dressing is created by mixing together a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Wonton Wrappers: These are the crunchy, golden brown base of every salad cup. A sprinkle of olive oil keeps them from becoming mushy.
Romaine Lettuce: The crunch component! Fresh chopped Romaine adds a crisp bite to the salad.
Cooked Chicken: Moist, tender chicken makes this salad a protein-packed snack or meal.
Mini Croutons: For the best Caesar crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan deepens the rich, cheesy flavors.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a splash of color and freshness.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including quantities, is in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad Cups
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes the wonton wrappers get all crispy and delicious.
Prepare the Wonton Cups: Brush the wonton wrappers lightly with olive oil and press them into a greased muffin tin. Bake for approximately 8–10 minutes, or until crispy and golden.
Make the Caesar Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, garlic, Parmesan, and fresh lemon juice. Set aside.
Prepare the Salad: In a big bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, and croutons together with the Caesar dressing until thoroughly coated.
Fill the Wonton Cups: Fill each crispy wonton cup with the Caesar salad mixture.
Garnish and Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Make ahead: You can prepare the dressing and salad in advance, but assemble the cups just before serving to maintain crispiness.
- Add some extras: Crispy bacon bits or sliced cherry tomatoes make a delicious addition.
- Swap the protein: Swap with shrimp or grilled tofu for a change.
- Heat it up: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftover Caesar salad in a separate container from the wonton cups so they do not become soggy. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating Wonton Cups: If wonton cups become soft, place them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to re-crisp them.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Caesar Salad Cups are a great twist on an old salad, with crunch, creaminess, and bold flavors all in one bite. Serve them at a party or enjoy them as a light lunch, either way, you’ll be a hit. Try them out and let me know what you’re thinking—happy cooking!
Chicken Caesar Salad Cups
Ingredients
- Caesar Salad Dressing:
- 1 cup 8 oz mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp 0.5 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Wonton Cups:
- 12 wonton wrappers
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chicken Caesar Salad Cups:
- 2 ½ cups Romaine lettuce cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 cup cooked chicken cut into small pieces
- 4 to 5 tbsp Caesar salad dressing recipe above
- 1 cup mini croutons
- 2 tbsp 0.5 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Make the Caesar Salad Dressing:
- Blend mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
- Transfer to a container, cover, and refrigerate. (Yield: 1 ¼ cups.)
- Prepare the Wonton Cups:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush a muffin pan with olive oil and press wonton wrappers into each cup. Brush wrappers with olive oil.
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown. Let cool to room temperature.
- Assemble the Chicken Caesar Salad Cups:
- In a bowl, mix Romaine lettuce and cooked chicken with Caesar dressing. Toss to combine.
- Fill each wonton cup with the salad mixture, then top with mini croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade dressing with store-bought Caesar dressing. Recommended brands: Ken’s Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing or Ken’s Lite Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing.
- Grilled or rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.
- Mini croutons should be small enough to fit in the wonton cups. Homemade croutons can be made by cutting a baguette into cubes, tossing with olive oil, and baking at 325°F for 10-15 minutes.
- If the dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon of water to reach the desired consistency.
