This Ultimate Caesar Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this easy baked chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – Caesar dressing and Parmesan create an irresistible sauce.
- Easy to Make – Just mix, top, and bake—perfect for busy nights!
- Juicy & Tender – The dressing keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Even picky eaters will love it!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
For the Caesar Topping:
- Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
- Butter (melted, for golden topping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Season Chicken – Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Topping
- Mix Dressing & Cheese – In a bowl, combine Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and mozzarella (if using).
- Coat the Chicken – Spread the mixture over each chicken breast.
Step 3: Add the Crunchy Topping
- Combine Breadcrumbs & Butter – Toss panko with melted butter.
- Sprinkle Over Chicken – Evenly top each piece with the breadcrumb mixture.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake – Place in a greased baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes (until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)).
- Broil for Crispiness – Broil for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy topping.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Caesar Chicken – Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Keto-Friendly – Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Extra Cheesy – Mix in sharp cheddar or gouda.
- Herb-Infused – Add rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Thighs will be even juicier—adjust baking time to 30-35 minutes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use homemade Caesar dressing?
Absolutely! A fresh dressing will add even more flavor.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Use crushed croutons instead of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
What sides go well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use thicker chicken breasts and don’t overbake—remove when it reaches 165°F.
Can I add bacon?
Yes! Crumbled cooked bacon makes a great addition to the topping.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free Parmesan and a cashew-based Caesar dressing.
How do I make it low-carb?
Swap the breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Caesar Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Caesar flavor. Whether for a quick family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to be a hit! Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Try it today!
Print
Ultimate Caesar Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ultimate Caesar Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Caesar flavor. Whether for a quick family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to be a hit! Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Try it today!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (use a high-quality one for best flavor)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Swiss for a mild, melty texture)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for crispy topping)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Season & Coat the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- In a small bowl, mix Caesar dressing and sour cream.
- Spread half the Caesar mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top, then spread the remaining Caesar mixture over them.
Step 3: Add Cheese & Topping
- Sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil (or melted butter) and Italian seasoning.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese for a crispy topping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for a golden, crispy crust.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan.
- Serve with pasta, roasted potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad.
Notes
✔ Want it extra juicy? Use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
✔ Keto/Low-Carb? Skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds.
✔ Spice it up! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Caesar mix.
✔ Make it ahead: Assemble everything the night before and bake when ready!