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!
PrintUltimate Caesar Chicken
This Ultimate Caesar Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors from tangy Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs. It’s juicy, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner served with pasta, roasted veggies, or a fresh Caesar salad!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (use a high-quality one for best flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or Swiss for a mild, melty texture)
- ½ 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!