Baked Caesar chicken features an irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors.
Imagine tender chicken breasts coated in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
Oh, and then it’s finished with a crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs.
With minimal prep and hands-on time, it’s hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken
Simple Preparation: Since you’ll use pre-made Caeser dressing, this dish is ready for the oven in just 5 minutes!
Versatile Pairings: Rich, moist, and flavorful chicken pairs well with everything from simple salads and steamed vegetables to mashed potatoes or rice.
Minimal Cleanup: As a one-dish recipe, it minimizes the required cleanup, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
Crispy Contrast: The golden, crunchy panko topping provides a delightful textural contrast to the juicy chicken underneath.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean, healthy protein that takes on the flavors of the creamy Caesar coating.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The essential seasoning duo that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and adds a hint of spice.
- Caesar Salad Dressing: The tangy, garlicky goodness we all know and love. Get a brand you know you enjoy!
- Mozzarella Cheese (optional): Melty and gooey when baked, it provides a mild, delicate flavor and irresistible cheese pull.
- Parmesan Cheese: The umami bomb.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
- Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh, and vibrant finishing touch.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken
Trust me, your family is going to be obsessed with this chicken! It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner but also impressive enough for company.
I served mine with some roasted broccoli and garlic bread to round out the meal, and it was gone in a flash.
Luckily, it comes together just as fast!
1. PREHEAT the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. POUND the chicken breasts to an even thickness, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.
3. SPREAD 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing in the baking dish. Place the chicken in a single layer and cover with the remaining dressing.
4. BAKE for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. TOP the cooked chicken with mozzarella (if using), Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs.
6. BROIL for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
7. REST for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot. Enjoy!
Tips For the Best Baked Caesar Chicken
This dish is a total crowd-pleaser in my house.
I mean, how can you go wrong with juicy chicken smothered in a creamy Caesar sauce and topped with salty Parmesan cheese?!
You can’t, really. But I do have a few tips anyway:
- Even thickness. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Season well. Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken, adding essential flavor.
- Coat thoroughly. Coat both sides of the chicken with the dressing for maximum flavor. Feel free to roll the meat over in the dish to get all the nooks and crannies.
- Use full-fat dressing. It tastes richer and won’t go as watery in the oven.
- Broil carefully. Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking to melt the cheese and toast the breadcrumbs. But keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- Rest before serving. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps retain juices and makes the chicken more tender.
- Variations. Experiment with different cheeses like Provolone or fontina, or add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serving suggestions. Serve with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
How to Store
If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe to spice up your dinner rotation, you’ve gotta try this!
The delicious smells coming from your oven will have everyone’s mouths watering.
In fact, it’s so good, I doubt you’ll have leftovers to worry about. But if you do:
To Store: Place cold leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap individual portions of cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the chicken in a baking dish, covering it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
More Chicken Dinners Your Family Will Love
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Baked Caesar Chicken
4
servings5
minutes30
minutes716
kcalBaked Caesar chicken has an irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors. With minimal prep and hands-on time, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pound the chicken breasts between layers of plastic wrap to an even thickness. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Spread 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing in the baking dish. Place the chicken in the baking dish in a single layer and spread the remaining Caesar dressing over the top, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Turn the oven to broil on high.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella (if using) and Parmesan cheese over the cooked chicken. Then, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
- Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley, then serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Coat both sides of the chicken with the dressing for maximum flavor. Feel free to roll the meat over in the dish to get all the nooks and crannies.
