This Baked Caesar Chicken is a deliciously creamy, tangy, and savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe brings all the rich flavors of Caesar dressing into a baked chicken dish that’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. With minimal prep and bake time, it’s an effortless meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why This Baked Caesar Chicken Will Be a Family Favorite
- Creamy & Tangy Flavor: Caesar dressing infuses the chicken with a creamy, tangy richness that’s utterly satisfying.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to prepare and uses pantry staples.
- Perfectly Juicy: Baking the chicken with the Caesar dressing and Parmesan keeps it tender and flavorful.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily add fresh herbs or extra Parmesan for added flavor, making this dish easy to customize.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 680g or 1.5 lbs)
- 180ml (3/4 cup) Caesar dressing
- 120g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with non-stick spray or a bit of olive oil.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish, and season them with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Caesar dressing and half of the Parmesan cheese, stirring until well-mixed.
- Coat the Chicken: Spread the Caesar dressing mixture evenly over each chicken breast, making sure they’re fully covered.
- Top with Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of the coated chicken breasts for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Substitutions: Greek yogurt mixed with a little lemon juice can be used as a lighter alternative to Caesar dressing if desired.
- Cheese Options: For a stronger cheese flavor, try using Pecorino Romano in place of Parmesan.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a side of mashed potatoes.
FAQ
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! Just adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken may require an additional 10-15 minutes in the oven.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. You can prep the chicken with the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use low-fat Caesar dressing?
A: Yes, low-fat Caesar dressing will work, though the flavor may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Tips and Notes
- Broil for Extra Browning: For a crispy, golden top, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the flavors and adds depth to the creamy sauce.
Delicious Variations for Your Baked Caesar Chicken – Try These Twists!
- Herb-Crusted Caesar Chicken: Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh rosemary to the sauce for an herby twist.
- Mushroom Caesar Chicken: Add a layer of sliced mushrooms under the chicken for an earthy flavor that complements the creamy Caesar sauce.
- Lemon Caesar Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the Caesar dressing for a bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- Spinach & Artichoke Caesar Chicken: Add a layer of chopped spinach and artichokes on top of the chicken for a twist on the classic Caesar salad flavors.
Baked Caesar Chicken
This Baked Caesar Chicken is an easy and delicious dinner recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese. With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that’s full of flavor. Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup 0.24 L Caesar dressing (use your favorite brand)
- ½ cup 0.12 lb grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup 0.06 lb panko or breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Step 3: Mix the Caesar Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Spread the Topping Over the Chicken
- Spread the Caesar dressing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated.
Step 5: Add Breadcrumbs (Optional)
- If desired, sprinkle panko or breadcrumbs over the top of the chicken for a crispy texture.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you added breadcrumbs, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking to make the top extra crispy.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Variations: Try adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a handful of spinach to the topping mixture for extra flavor and color.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
