The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion
Have you ever found yourself staring at a pack of chicken breasts, wondering how to turn them into something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen? You’re not alone! That’s why this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is a game-changer. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful chicken dish that your whole family will love.
Baking chicken can sometimes result in dry, bland meat, but not this time! The combination of Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream keeps the chicken juicy and packed with rich, savory flavors. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, this foolproof recipe will have you serving up a restaurant-quality meal in no time.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect Baked Caesar Chicken—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions and expert tips!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Simple Ingredients – You probably have most of them in your kitchen right now!
✅ Quick & Easy – Just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes in the oven.
✅ Incredibly Flavorful – Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Caesar flavors.
✅ Family-Friendly – A dish everyone will enjoy, from picky eaters to gourmet lovers.
✅ Meal-Prep Friendly – Perfect for making ahead and storing for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 ½ cups |
Caesar salad dressing | 1 cup |
Sour cream (optional) | ½ cup |
Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Cooking spray | As needed |
Chopped parsley (for garnish) | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Caesar Chicken
1. Prep Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray an 8×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Flatten the Chicken for Even Cooking
- If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, place them in a Ziploc bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap.
- Use a meat pounder to flatten them to ¾ – 1 inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
3. Season and Layer the Chicken
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper over the chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish.
4. Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing and sour cream (if using).
- Pour the mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Then, turn the oven to broil and cook for another 2-4 minutes until the top is golden brown.
6. Check for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.
- Once done, remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Best Side Dishes for Caesar Chicken
This Baked Caesar Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some top choices:
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy balance.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A crisp romaine or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
🍚 Rice or Quinoa – Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa makes a great base.
🥔 Mashed or Roasted Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes complement the dish perfectly.
How to Store & Reheat Caesar Chicken
Got leftovers? No problem! This dish stores well and reheats beautifully.
Refrigerator Storage
- Place leftover chicken in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer Storage
- Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Expert Tips for the Best Caesar Chicken
🔹 Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged cheese doesn’t melt as well or taste as fresh.
🔹 Broil at the End – This gives the chicken a beautiful golden-brown crust.
🔹 Pound the Chicken Evenly – Ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.
🔹 Let the Chicken Rest – Allows the juices to redistribute for extra tenderness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well. Adjust the baking time to about 35-40 minutes.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
3. Is there a substitute for Caesar dressing?
If you don’t have Caesar dressing, you can mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a homemade version.
4. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. It still adds creaminess without extra fat.
5. Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Yes! This dish is already low in carbs. Just pair it with a keto-friendly side like roasted vegetables.
6. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Final Thoughts: Time to Enjoy Your Chicken Dinner!
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and give this delicious chicken recipe a try tonight! Don’t forget to share your experience and let us know how it turned out.
Bon appétit! 🍽️
PrintChicken Dinner! Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy Caesar dressing, topped with Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection. A simple, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing
- ½ cup sour cream (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray, as needed
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 8×11-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Flatten Chicken – If needed, pound chicken breasts to ¾ – 1 inch thickness for even cooking.
- Season Chicken – Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper over the chicken breasts and place them in the baking dish.
- Mix Sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing and sour cream (if using). Pour evenly over the chicken.
- Add Cheese & Bake – Sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top and bake for 30 minutes.
- Broil for Crispiness – Turn the oven to broil and cook for 2-4 more minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Check for Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest & Serve – Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes, then garnish with parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat Caesar dressing.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (+2-4 minutes broiling)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American