If you love the rich, tangy flavors of Caesar salad but want a hearty, comforting meal, this Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. It perfectly balances crispy, golden crust with juicy, tender chicken inside, all wrapped up in that unmistakable Caesar dressing goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends on the weekend, this dish is simple enough to whip up quickly and satisfying enough to have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is all about straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy Caesar dressing infusing the chicken with flavor to the crispy breadcrumb and Parmesan topping adding texture and a savory finish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized breasts for uniform cooking and juicy results.
- 1 cup Caesar dressing: The star of the show, bringing classic tang and creaminess.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that crisps up beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances flavor without overpowering the delicate chicken.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick to balance the creamy dressing.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Gives the perfect crunch and golden color to the crust.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the crust crisp evenly during baking.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of freshness and color to finish the dish.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks just right, sealing in all the juicy flavors while crisping up the breadcrumb and Parmesan topping to golden perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing and Seasonings
In a mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse each chicken breast with classic Caesar salad flavors and a subtle hint of spice, making the chicken irresistible.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and generously coat it with the dressing mixture, making sure every inch is covered. This step is what keeps the meat tender and juicy, while layering in lots of flavor beneath the crispy crust.
Step 4: Combine Breadcrumbs and Parmesan
In a separate bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan melts slightly during baking, mingling with the breadcrumbs to create an incredible, crispy crust packed with cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Press Crust Onto the Chicken
Gently press the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture onto each coated chicken breast. This helps the crust adhere well and creates that signature Baked Caesar Chicken texture that’s satisfyingly crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Arrange the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. The olive oil encourages even browning and keeps the crust from drying out as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Bake the chicken in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and tender throughout.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken breasts. This final touch adds a pop of vibrant green color and brightens the rich flavors of the dish wonderfully.
How to Serve Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond fresh parsley, consider adding a light squeeze of lemon to enhance the tanginess or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that cheesy kick. These simple garnishes can elevate your presentation and add those fresh, vibrant notes that balance the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, steamed asparagus or a medley of zucchini and bell peppers roasted with a touch of olive oil and garlic make delightful companions to the savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of Caesar salad greens for a riff on traditional Caesar salad. Alternatively, stack the sliced chicken atop garlic butter pasta or serve alongside garlic bread for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing feast that’s still quick to prepare.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Baked Caesar Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the crust intact is key, so be gentle when storing and reheating to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. They will keep well for up to 2 months. To avoid soggy crust after thawing, reheat gently in the oven rather than the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the crust feels crisp again, usually 10-15 minutes. This method helps bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven texture and flavor, making it almost as good the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay even juicier. Just adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer.
Is it necessary to use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Not at all. You can make your own Caesar dressing from scratch for a fresher, customizable flavor. Just ensure it has the creamy, tangy profile essential to this recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones and verify that your Caesar dressing doesn’t contain gluten. This way you won’t miss out on any of the flavor or crunch.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Grated Pecorino Romano is an excellent alternative. It has a similar salty, nutty taste that crisps up beautifully in the breadcrumb crust.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to impress. It has that perfect balance of tenderness, crunch, and creamy tang that makes every bite feel special. You really can’t go wrong giving this one a try tonight — your taste buds will thank you!
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Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of Caesar dressing, garlic, and black pepper, then topped with a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb crust. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a delicious twist on classic Caesar flavors in a simple and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Dressing Mixture: In a bowl, mix together the Caesar dressing, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Thoroughly coat each chicken breast with the prepared Caesar dressing mixture, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Mix Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, which will form the crispy crust on the chicken.
- Apply Crust: Press the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture firmly onto each coated chicken breast to create an even crust.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and drizzle the olive oil on top to help the crust brown beautifully during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving, adding a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.
- Make sure chicken breasts are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
