Zesty Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Hit

Crafting a mouthwatering baked caesar chicken brings together simple ingredients and bold flavors that dance on your plate.

Mediterranean kitchens have long celebrated this delightful combination of tender poultry and creamy dressing.

Zesty parmesan and crisp breadcrumbs create a golden crust that seals in moisture and intensity.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet spectacular, and this recipe answers that call perfectly.

Rich, tangy notes from classic caesar dressing infuse each bite with remarkable depth.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or endless chopping.

One forkful will convince you this dish belongs in your regular rotation.

Jump into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate!

Ingredients to Make Baked Caesar Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein for this delicious baked dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that provides a rich, tangy flavor and creates a crispy golden topping.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, spicy kick to enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Caesar Salad Dressing: Creamy and zesty sauce that infuses the chicken with classic Caesar flavor.
• Sour Cream: Optional ingredient that adds extra richness and helps create a smooth, creamy sauce coating.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking pan.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the chicken during resting to retain moisture.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish for visual appeal.

How to Bake Baked Caesar Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375°F. Spray an 8×11½-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to create a smooth cooking surface.

Step 2: Flatten The Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a sealed plastic bag. Use a meat mallet to create an even thickness, helping the chicken cook uniformly.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

• Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper

Arrange seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Craft The Creamy Sauce

• Caesar salad dressing
• Sour cream

Pour the mixture evenly over chicken.

Shower the top with remaining Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.

Step 6: Crisp And Brown

Switch oven to broil.

Cook for 2-4 minutes until the top turns golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Chicken should reach 165°F.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Remove from oven.

Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes, letting juices redistribute and flavors meld.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering Caesar chicken creation.

Tips to Nail Baked Caesar Chicken

• Choose high-quality, full-fat Caesar dressing for maximum flavor and richness. Homemade dressing works wonderfully if available.
• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to help Parmesan cheese adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Avoid overcooking by using an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness precisely. Remove chicken when internal temperature reaches 150°F, then let residual heat complete cooking during resting.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture. For dairy-free options, use coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
• Try additional herbs like basil or thyme to complement the Caesar flavor profile. Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving for vibrant color and enhanced taste.

Variations on Baked Caesar Chicken

• Herb-Crusted Parmesan Chicken: Replace half the Parmesan with a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano for an aromatic Mediterranean-style chicken.
• Greek Yogurt Caesar Chicken: Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add extra protein while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour instead of Parmesan cheese for breading and select a gluten-free Caesar dressing to make the recipe suitable for low-carb and gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Caesar Chicken: Add chili powder, cumin, and a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a zesty southwestern flavor profile that transforms the classic recipe.

Pairing Suggestions for Baked Caesar Chicken

• Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy Caesar dressing and cut through the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
• Create a light romaine lettuce salad with additional Caesar dressing to echo the chicken's flavor profile, adding fresh crunch and continuing the Caesar theme.
• Serve roasted garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice pilaf to soak up the delicious Caesar sauce and provide a smooth, comforting base for the flavorful chicken.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or green beans with a squeeze of lemon to add a fresh, green element that balances the rich, cheesy chicken dish.

Storage Advice for Baked Caesar Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent dryness.
• Oven Reheat: Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

• What type of Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended over pre-packaged shredded cheese. Freshly grated provides better flavor, melts more evenly, and creates a crispier top layer on the chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. However, adjust cooking time accordingly since thighs might require slightly longer baking due to different thickness and meat density compared to chicken breasts.

• Is the sour cream optional in the Caesar sauce?

The sour cream is completely optional. Adding it will create a slightly creamier and richer sauce, but the recipe will still taste delicious without it. It’s a personal preference that doesn’t impact the overall cooking process.

Baked Caesar Chicken That Impresses

• Conquer Complexity: Easily craft gourmet-style chicken with minimal cooking skills, perfect for home chefs seeking restaurant-quality meals without professional training.
• Speed Through Preparation: Create a delicious dinner in under an hour, combining quick mixing and straightforward baking techniques that minimize kitchen time and maximize flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delight family and guests with a creamy, cheesy chicken dish that transforms classic Caesar salad flavors into a hearty main course everyone will love.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping, complementing various side dishes like salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta.

Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Caesar-style chicken emerges as a delightful fusion of classic salad flavors and tender protein. Creamy dressing coats juicy chicken breasts, creating a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts
• 1½ cups (360 ml) caesar salad dressing
• 1½ cups (150 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (optional)
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and lightly spray an 8×11½-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Equalize chicken breast thickness by gently pounding them inside a resealable plastic bag until they reach a uniform ¾-1 inch depth for consistent cooking.
3. Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper, then carefully arrange in the prepared baking dish.
4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking Caesar dressing and sour cream until thoroughly blended, then evenly distribute over the seasoned chicken breasts.
5. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese across the top of the chicken to enhance flavor and create a delectable crust.
6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
7. Activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2-4 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden-brown surface without burning.
8. Confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F, then remove from the oven and tent with aluminum foil.
9. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring maximum tenderness.
10. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the Baked Caesar Chicken while warm for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help Parmesan cheese adhere better and create a crispier crust.
• Replace regular Caesar dressing with light or homemade version to reduce calories and control fat content.
• Swap dairy ingredients with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and plant-based sour cream for vegan adaptation.
• Add garlic powder or Italian herbs for extra flavor complexity without changing core recipe structure.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking.
• Let chicken rest after baking to maintain juiciness and allow flavors to settle into meat fibers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 52 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg