Baked Caesar Chicken is one of those magical dishes that combines rich flavor with incredible ease. With just a few simple ingredients—juicy chicken breasts, creamy Caesar dressing, and parmesan cheese—I get a comforting, cheesy, and protein-packed meal on the table in just over half an hour. It’s a go-to for weeknights when I need something satisfying without the stress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup Caesar dressing (use a creamy version)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Then, I place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium bowl, I mix together the Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder.
I pour the Caesar mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
I bake the chicken uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
For a more golden top, I like to broil it for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Once out of the oven, I let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
If I’m feeling fancy, I garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving it hot.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
Swap the dressing: Sometimes I use a peppercorn ranch or garlic aioli in place of Caesar for a different twist.
Add a crunchy topping: I like to mix crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs with extra parmesan for a crispy finish.
Use chicken thighs: If I want even more flavor and tenderness, I swap in boneless chicken thighs and adjust the cook time slightly.
Spice it up: A dash of crushed red pepper or a spoonful of Dijon mustard in the dressing mix adds extra zip.
Make it a casserole: I slice the chicken and layer it over cooked pasta or rice with extra sauce and bake it all together.
Storage/Reheating
Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. To reheat, I use the microwave for a quick option or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—this helps keep the texture better.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
I always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It’s the most reliable way to avoid under- or over-cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the chicken with the dressing mixture a few hours ahead or even the night before. I cover and refrigerate it, then bake it when I’m ready.
What’s the best Caesar dressing to use?
I prefer a creamy Caesar with bold, garlicky flavor—store-bought or homemade both work. I avoid oil-based ones as they don’t coat the chicken as well.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the Caesar dressing used is certified gluten-free, the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
I recommend thawing the chicken first. Baking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and watery sauce.
Conclusion
Baked Caesar Chicken is one of my favorite back-pocket recipes—it’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly simple to make. Whether I’m planning a cozy dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish never fails to impress with its creamy, savory flavors and foolproof method. It’s comfort food at its easiest, and I always come back to it when I need a quick, delicious meal.
Recipe:
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Baked Caesar Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Caesar Chicken is a rich, creamy, and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese, perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup creamy Caesar dressing
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour the Caesar mixture over the chicken, coating each piece well.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Broil for an additional 2–3 minutes for a golden top.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Use a creamy Caesar dressing for best results—avoid oil-based versions.
For extra crunch, top with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before baking.
You can prep the dish ahead by marinating the chicken in the dressing mixture and refrigerating until ready to bake.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
