Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe

When it comes to weeknight dinners, there’s nothing quite like a recipe that’s easy, creamy, flavorful, and foolproof. This Baked Caesar Chicken is all of that and more — juicy chicken breasts baked in a tangy, garlicky Caesar dressing, then topped with Parmesan cheese until golden, bubbly, and irresistible.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Caesar Chicken

• ✅ 5-minute prep with simple ingredients

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• ✅ Ultra-juicy chicken every time

• ✅ Bold Caesar flavor with minimal effort

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• ✅ Customizable for families or guests

• ✅ Perfect for meal prep or freezing

🔥 How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish with olive oil, butter, or nonstick spray.

2. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

• Season both sides with salt and pepper.

• Place chicken evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Tip: For even cooking, pound the thick ends of the breasts slightly so they’re uniform in size.

3. Mix the Caesar Sauce

In a medium bowl, stir together:

• Caesar dressing

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Garlic powder

• Parmesan cheese

• Optional lemon juice

Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Smother and Top

• Spoon the Caesar mixture evenly over each chicken breast.

• Sprinkle extra Parmesan over the top.

• (Optional) Add a layer of panko breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons for added texture.

5. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

• For a bubbly, golden top, broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely!

6. Rest and Garnish

• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with chopped parsley, lemon zest, or fresh cracked pepper.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This creamy Caesar chicken pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides:

🥔 Starch:

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Pasta tossed in butter and lemon

• Creamy risotto

• Crusty bread for dipping

🥦 Veggies:

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

• Steamed asparagus with lemon

• Caesar side salad

• Zucchini noodles or grilled vegetables

🥗 Salad Pairing:

• Classic Caesar salad (double the Caesar fun!)

• Arugula with balsamic glaze and cherry tomatoes

• Kale and quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette

💡 Chef’s Tips & Tricks

• Use a high-quality Caesar dressing — it makes or breaks the flavor.

• Don’t skip the Parmesan — it thickens the sauce and adds umami depth.

• Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.

• For a lighter option, sub low-fat Greek yogurt for sour cream.

• Want more lemony zip? Add zest to the sauce or a squeeze before serving.

🔁 Variations and Add-Ons

🍗 With Vegetables:

Add veggies like sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the pan before baking.

🧄 Garlic Caesar:

Add 2 cloves of minced garlic or roasted garlic to the sauce for a richer flavor.

🧂 Spicy Kick:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Caesar mix.

🍽 Casserole Style:

Cut the chicken into chunks and mix with cooked pasta, then bake everything together for a Caesar chicken pasta bake.

🧀 Extra Cheesy:

Add shredded mozzarella or provolone on top for a gooier finish.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

🧊 To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

❄️ To Freeze:

• Freeze individual portions (fully cooked) for up to 2 months.

• Wrap in foil or store in freezer-safe containers.

🔥 To Reheat:

• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

• Microwave in short intervals with a splash of water to keep it moist.

🧠 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 37g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 620mg

Note: Will vary slightly based on Caesar dressing brand and portion sizes.

🥄 Make-Ahead Instructions

Want to prep this ahead of time?

✔️ Option 1: Marinate Ahead

• Combine chicken and Caesar mixture in a Ziploc or covered dish.

• Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

✔️ Option 2: Bake and Freeze

• Bake completely, cool, then freeze.

• Reheat when ready for a super quick dinner.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. Use your favorite brand — creamy Caesar dressings work best. Primal Kitchen, Ken’s Steakhouse, or Cardini’s are all great choices.

Can I make this recipe keto?

Yes! This recipe is already low in carbs. Use a Caesar dressing that’s keto-friendly and skip any optional breadcrumb topping.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. Bake for 30–35 minutes depending on thickness.

What if I want it crispier?

Top with crushed croutons or panko and broil at the end for 2–3 minutes.

🥘 Full Meal Plan Featuring Baked Caesar Chicken

Appetizer:

• Roasted garlic hummus with pita chips

• Caprese skewers with balsamic drizzle

Main Course:

• Baked Caesar Chicken

• Parmesan roasted potatoes

• Caesar salad or garlic sautéed green beans

Dessert:

• Lemon bars

• Chocolate mousse with whipped cream

Drink Pairing:

• White wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

• Sparkling water with lemon and mint

✨ Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward chicken dinner, this Baked Caesar Chicken is it. Creamy, cheesy, tangy, and deliciously juicy, it’s everything you love about Caesar salad — turned into a hot, comforting main course.