If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances herbaceous flavors with creamy zest, you are going to love this Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken Recipe. This delightful meal brings together juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a luscious blend of creamy Caesar dressing, fragrant rosemary, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce that adds depth to every bite. It’s a quick and easy way to elevate your grilling routine, impress guests, or simply enjoy a flavorful dinner with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients are the secret to making this dish shine, each playing a key role in enhancing flavor and texture without overpowering the chicken. These essentials combine to create a marinade that is creamy, herbal, and perfectly balanced.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for the marinade and keeps the chicken moist as it cooks.
- Creamy Caesar dressing: Adds a rich, tangy depth that’s classic and comforting.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle umami boost, enhancing savory notes.
- Dried rosemary: Infuses the chicken with a robust herbal fragrance that complements the Caesar flavors beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the overall taste.
- Skinless boneless chicken breasts: The lean, tender protein canvas that absorbs the marinade’s flavors wonderfully.
How to Make Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, creamy Caesar dressing, Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. This combination will create a flavorful marinade that tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with delicious herbs and zest. A well-mixed marinade is key to ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Next, gently pound each chicken breast to about 1/4 inch thickness. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. Place the breasts into a gallon-size ziplock bag, pour in your marinade, and toss everything together so each piece is beautifully coated. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight—this slow marinating process allows the rosemary and Caesar dressing to deeply penetrate the meat, building layers of flavor.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill for medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 8 to 12 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. The chicken is perfectly done when it’s no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. This grilling method locks in the moisture and gives the chicken a slightly smoky, char-grilled charm that pairs perfectly with the creamy marinade.
How to Serve Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes provides a pop of brightness and texture against the rich, grilled chicken. Consider freshly chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra indulgence. These little touches elevate the dish and make it feel truly special.
Side Dishes
This Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crisp Caesar salad keeps the flavor theme going, while grilled vegetables add smoky sweetness and vibrant colors. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice complement the chicken’s savoriness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the grilled chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens, toasted croutons, and shaved Parmesan as a hearty Caesar salad. Alternatively, try tossing the sliced chicken into a wrap with crunchy lettuce and a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing. These presentation ideas make the meal versatile and perfect for lunch or dinner alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before storing to retain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep this flavorful chicken longer, freezing is a good option. Wrap each grilled chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a little extra Caesar dressing after reheating can refresh the flavors nicely.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried?
Absolutely! Fresh rosemary can offer an even more vibrant herbal flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh rosemary compared to dried, finely chopped for the marinade.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
While marinating overnight ensures maximum flavor penetration, a minimum of 8 hours works well. If you’re short on time, even 4 hours can impart good taste, but longer marinating is best for tender, flavorful results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this marinade and grilling method. They tend to stay even juicier and absorb the flavors beautifully, though you may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the marinated chicken in a hot skillet or broil it in the oven. Just watch carefully to avoid overcooking, and you’ll still get a tasty result.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and Caesar dressing are gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten. Otherwise, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the combination of rosemary’s earthy aroma and the creamy tang of Caesar dressing on perfectly grilled chicken. This Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to add new life to your grilling adventures while keeping prep simple and flavors bold. I highly encourage you to give it a try soon—once you do, it might just become your new favorite go-to meal for any occasion!
Print
Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A flavorful Rosemary Caesar Grilled Chicken recipe that combines creamy Caesar dressing and aromatic rosemary to marinate tender chicken breasts, delivering a juicy and savory grilled dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 3 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tbsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, creamy Caesar dressing, Worcestershire sauce, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Pound each chicken breast to approximately 1/4 inch thickness for even cooking. Place the chicken breasts into a gallon-size ziplock bag, pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, and toss to fully coat the pieces. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat grilling, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade, shaking off excess. Grill the chicken for 8 to 12 minutes total, turning once halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and juices run clear.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to retain juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor but a minimum of 8 hours is sufficient.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety.
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness prevents uneven cooking and helps it cook faster.
- This recipe works great with a gas or charcoal grill.
- For a lower sodium option, reduce or omit added salt and use a low-sodium Caesar dressing.
