Baked Caesar Chicken

This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chicken breasts are coated with creamy Caesar dressing and topped with rich Parmesan cheese, creating a savory, crispy crust as it bakes.

The addition of sour cream adds an extra layer of creaminess, making the dish even more indulgent. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a satisfying meal.

Baked Caesar Chicken

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Moist and flavorful when baked.

1 cup Caesar dressing: The tangy, creamy foundation for the sauce.

1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, savory touch that complements the dressing.

Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing out the flavors.

Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a richer, velvety texture with a slight tang.

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Chicken Breasts: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer—they’re more forgiving and even juicier.

Caesar Dressing: Choose your favorite brand, or make your own for a special touch. The dressing is key to the dish’s flavor, so pick one you really love.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers better melting and a bolder flavor than pre-grated versions. It’s worth the extra effort!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

Flatten each chicken breast to about 1 inch thick using a meat mallet for even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, stir together the Caesar dressing and sour cream (if you’re using it) until well combined.

The sour cream gives the sauce extra creaminess.

Step 4: Assemble

Place the chicken breasts into the greased baking dish.

Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over each piece to create a cheesy base layer.

Pour the Caesar dressing mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well-coated.

Top off with the rest of the Parmesan for a crispy, golden crust.

Step 5: Bake

Put the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), with the sauce bubbling and the Parmesan forming a golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

For added presentation, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Pair this creamy dish with your favorite sides like roasted veggies or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Enjoy your tender and flavorful Caesar Parmesan chicken!

Notes:

Chicken Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy. Thinner pieces may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a more robust flavor than pre-packaged options. If possible, use fresh cheese for a better result.

Sour Cream: This is optional but adds extra creaminess to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can skip the sour cream.

Seasoning: Caesar dressing already contains some salt, so be cautious with additional salt. Adjust based on the saltiness of your dressing.

Topping Options: If you want extra texture and flavor, try adding breadcrumbs or panko mixed with Parmesan on top for an even crispier crust.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prep the chicken with the sauce and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just pop it into the oven when you’re ready to bake.

Side Pairings: This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance out the rich flavors.

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

Substitutions: If you’re out of Caesar dressing, you can substitute with ranch or any creamy Italian-style dressing for a different flavor twist.

Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness right before serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1