Keto Chicken Caesar Lettuce Bowls

Often linked to 1920s Tijuana, the Caesar salad inspires these keto-friendly lettuce bowls. Grilled chicken, crisp romaine, Parmesan, and crumbled bacon meet a lemony mayo dressing and creamy avocado for a fresh, high-protein lunch.

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 15 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 395 cal
• 42g protein
• 8g carbs
• 22g fat
• 3g fiber

Every recipe here is free to read.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large heads romaine hearts, chopped
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp anchovy paste
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. 1Preheat a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. 2Cook the chicken 6 to 7 minutes per side until the exterior is golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
3. 3Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes so juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain into strips.
4. 4While the chicken rests, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon, anchovy paste, minced garlic, Worcestershire, and half the Parmesan until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
5. 5Chop the romaine into bite-size ribbons and divide among four wide bowls or meal-prep containers. The leaves should form a sturdy base that holds toppings without wilting immediately.
6. 6Arrange warm chicken strips over the lettuce. Scatter diced avocado, crumbled bacon, and the remaining Parmesan evenly across the bowls.
7. 7Drizzle each bowl generously with the Caesar dressing just before serving so the greens stay crisp. Toss lightly at the table if preferred.
8. 8For meal prep, pack dressing in a small separate container and add avocado the morning of eating to prevent browning.
9. 9Serve chilled or at cool room temperature as a fork-and-knife lunch that stays fully keto and satisfying through the afternoon.