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Let’s be honest, some days you just want dinner to feel like a big, comforting hug—no fuss, just absolute satisfaction. For me, Baked Caesar Chicken is that kind of recipe. Whenever my week gets hectic (or I just need an easy win), I find myself reaching for this one. It has everything I love: juicy chicken breasts, a creamy tang from Caesar dressing, and that magical golden cheese crust. Best of all, it’s outrageously simple to throw together—even if you’re running on fumes or need to sneak in a quick meal between after-school chaos or back-to-back Zoom calls.
This dish was inspired by a friend’s potluck creation that instantly made my picky eaters happy and made the house smell like heaven. Now, it’s officially in our “family-favorite, make-on-repeat” rotation. There’s something about the way the dressing caramelizes just a little, blending with salty Parmesan, that makes it totally irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Flavorful: That Caesar dressing and gooey Parmesan make this chicken super juicy and outrageously tender.
- Super Easy: Just a handful of ingredients—no complicated prep. You can have this on the table in under an hour, start to finish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, fans of cheesy comfort food (and salad lovers!) will both devour this.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, a kick of chili, or a crunchy topping—make it your own.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers keep well for lunches and busy weeknights. (Honestly, the flavors get even better the next day!)
Key Ingredients
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I always start with those nice big chicken breasts, but I’ll swap in thighs sometimes if I’m feeling wild or want even juicier results. Just pound them to an even thickness for even cooking—this is one of my secrets to chicken that’s never dry. Somewhere around one inch thick all over is perfect.
Caesar Dressing: Use your favorite store-bought brand or make your own (hey, no shame either way!). I’m a little obsessed with Ken’s Steakhouse when I don’t have time to whisk it up from scratch. Go for a thick, creamy Caesar for max flavor that hugs the chicken.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best (yes, I know the green-can stuff is convenient, but trust me on this one), but pre-shredded works in a pinch. The flavor and melty, golden top is just unbeatable with the real deal.
Sour Cream (Optional): For extra silkiness, I like to whisk in a bit of sour cream with the dressing. Totally optional, but it keeps things especially creamy and balances the tang. (Plain Greek yogurt works great, too, if you’ve got that in the fridge!)
Salt & Black Pepper: Just a little to season the chicken and bring everything together—don’t go wild. Let the Caesar do most of the heavy lifting here.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set the temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). I like to do this before I even start pounding the chicken, so everything is good and hot when I’m finished prepping.
Prepare the baking dish: Give your favorite casserole dish (or just a big 9×13-inch pan) a light mist of cooking spray or brush of oil. This keeps all that golden cheese from sticking where you want it most. No one wants to be scraping up those best bits, right?
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pound the Chicken: Lay the breasts between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap, and give them a gentle (okay, maybe not so gentle) whack with a mallet or even a rolling pin. The goal here is chicken that’s about 1 inch thick all over. Uniform thickness means juicy, evenly cooked results in the end.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy—seasoning makes a world of difference. (But also, don’t go overboard—remember, that Caesar is salty, too!)
Step 3: Prepare the Caesar Dressing Mixture
Mix Dressing and Sour Cream (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together your Caesar dressing and sour cream (if using) until smooth and creamy. I love this step for extra richness, but honestly, the recipe’s still dreamy with dressing alone.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Add Parmesan Cheese: Place the chicken breasts snugly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup Parmesan over the top of each breast—it’s okay if a little falls into the dish. More golden bits for everyone later!
Pour the Dressing Mixture: Spoon or pour the Caesar mixture evenly over each chicken breast, making sure they’re all blanketed in that tangy, creamy goodness.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the rest of your Parmesan all over the top. Don’t skimp here—it’s really the main event for flavor and that fabulous golden crust.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the Chicken: Slide your masterpiece into the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F if you’ve got a thermometer) and the cheese is bubbling and golden brown. If you want a super-bubbly, crunchy top, broil the last couple minutes—but watch it like a hawk!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Add Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley (or even basil if that’s your vibe) makes this dish look extra pretty. Not strictly necessary, but always welcome on my table.
Serve Warm: This is one you’ll want to enjoy right out of the oven, with the sauce still creamy and chicken meltingly tender. Grab those favorite sides and dig in—maybe sneak a bite before calling everyone to dinner (don’t worry, I won’t tell!).
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a total blank slate—serve it with whatever your crew craves!
- Veggies: Roasted asparagus, garlicky green beans, or tender broccoli are all classic. Or try roasted carrots or brussels sprouts for something a little different.
- Grains: Fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or rustic bread for mopping up that amazing Caesar-Parmesan sauce (I mean, it’s what bread’s made for, right?).
- Salad: Double down with a crisp Caesar salad or just throw together a tossed green salad with cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Pasta: Spoon those saucy chicken breasts over angel hair or fettuccine for extra-cozy, extra-cheesy dinner vibes. So, so good!
Storage/Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerate: Stash any leftovers in an airtight container—they’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. For a quick lunch, just pop a single serving in the microwave, or pop the whole dish back in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, to reheat gently.
Freeze: Lay cooled chicken (skip fresh garnishes like parsley until you reheat) in a freezer-safe dish or bag. It keeps in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat slowly, covered, so everything stays nice and moist.
Make Ahead: You can assemble everything in your baking dish up to 12 hours ahead—cover and chill until ready, then bake as usual (add a couple extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge).
Variations
- Herby Caesar Chicken: Add a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, thyme, or fresh chopped rosemary to your Caesar dressing for a fragrant little twist.
- Crunchy Topping: If you love crunch (who doesn’t?), scatter some seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers over the top before baking. Drizzle with a little melted butter for major golden-toasty deliciousness.
- Cheese Change-Up: Try swapping out half of the Parmesan for shredded mozzarella, Gruyère, or even sharp cheddar. Each brings something a little different and oh-so-yummy.
- Spicy Caesar Chicken: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your Caesar mixture for a cozy kick—I see you, spice lovers!
- Lower-Carb Version: Serve with cauliflower rice or over zoodles for something lighter, but still every bit as comforting.
Conclusion
All you really need for perfect Baked Caesar Chicken is juicy chicken, creamy dressing, and plenty of cheese. That’s it! Even if you’re new to cooking with dressings or baking chicken at all, don’t overthink it. Pop it in the oven, let the cheese get golden, and call the crew to the table—before you know it, you’ve got a new comfort classic to put on repeat. If you try this (or have your own little twists to share), I’d truly love to hear about it in the comments. This cozy corner is all about swapping tips and real-life stories, so don’t be shy. And if your house is anything like mine, I bet you’ll wind up making this again and again…extra sauce, golden edges, and all.
Baked Caesar Chicken
This Baked Caesar Chicken is a creamy and cheesy delight! Made with tender chicken breasts, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix Caesar dressing with sour cream (if using) until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over each breast. Pour the Caesar dressing mixture evenly over the chicken. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
For added flavor, mix a teaspoon of garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the Caesar dressing mixture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Main Course
American
Baked Chicken, Caesar Chicken, Creamy Chicken Dish, easy chicken recipe, Parmesan Chicken
Baked Caesar Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese divided
- to taste salt and pepper
- ½ cup sour cream optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix Caesar dressing with sour cream (if using) until well blended.
- Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over each breast. Pour the Caesar dressing mixture evenly over the chicken. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
