If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and outrageously easy, look no further than Caesar Chicken. In this cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe, tender chicken breasts get smothered in creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic, then baked until bubbly and golden. It delivers all the classic flavors of a Caesar salad, except now they’re warming up your kitchen and winning over anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. Let’s walk through exactly how to make—and savor—this irresistible dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for Caesar Chicken, but each one plays a star role. Together, they create a mouthwatering harmony of creaminess, savoriness, and just the right punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why you won’t want to skip a single one:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts soak up all that creamy dressing and bake up tender every time.
- Caesar salad dressing: The main flavor driver—choose a good, creamy brand for the richest, boldest result.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps form that irresistible golden crust on top.
- Black pepper: A sprinkle of black pepper brings just enough bite to balance out the creaminess.
- Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder dials up the savory factor without overpowering the dish.
- Olive oil: Lightly greasing your baking dish ensures nothing sticks and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): This sprinkle of green brightens up each plate right at the finish.
How to Make Caesar Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), then lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. This helps guarantee easy cleanup and keeps that lovely golden Caesar crust intact when serving.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is a small but crucial step—it helps the dressing really stick so every bite is flavorful. Nestle the chicken breasts side by side in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Mix Up the Caesar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the Caesar salad dressing, grated Parmesan, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until you have a smooth, creamy mixture that smells absolutely dreamy.
Step 4: Smother and Coat
Spoon the Caesar-Parmesan mixture evenly over every chicken breast. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to make sure all sides are well coated. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—it’ll bake down into the most delicious, saucy layer.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven, uncovered. Let it bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. If you love a golden-brown, bubbling top, switch to the broiler during the last 2 to 3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
When the Caesar Chicken comes out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes so all those juices redistribute. Finish with a scattering of fresh parsley if you want a pop of color and freshness right before serving.
How to Serve Caesar Chicken
Garnishes
For a simple, classic finish, chopped fresh parsley gives gorgeous color and a whiff of brightness. If you want to add a little zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few lemon zest curls work wonders too. And for maximal Parmesan lovers, a final shower of extra grated cheese is highly encouraged.
Side Dishes
Caesar Chicken is velvety and rich, so it pairs beautifully with crisp-tender roasted vegetables, a tangle of buttered pasta, or a fresh green salad for balance. For a low-carb night, serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles. If you want to lean into the comfort food factor, some warm, crusty garlic bread on the side is guaranteed to make everyone happy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the baked chicken over a classic Caesar salad for a lighter meal (you’ll have Caesar on Caesar and it’s 100% delicious). Try shredding leftover chicken to fold into wraps, stuff into pitas with greens, or even layer onto a pizza base for a Caesar-inspired flatbread. This versatile dish is a chameleon—don’t be afraid to get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caesar Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and become even richer by day two—making leftovers a real treat!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Caesar Chicken. Make sure it’s cooled, then individually wrap each breast or store them together with the sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
No need to worry about the chicken drying out: reheat covered in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until just heated through, or microwave gently with a splash of water if needed. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, a quick stir and a little extra dressing added before warming will bring it right back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay extra juicy. Adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs may need a bit longer in the oven.
What’s the best kind of Caesar dressing for Caesar Chicken?
A creamy-style Caesar dressing is best for this recipe—look for one with real Parmesan and plenty of savory punch. Bottled or homemade are both great, just use something you love the taste of.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes! Baby tomatoes, zucchini slices, or thin asparagus spears are delicious partners. Just be sure to not overcrowd the pan, and keep veggies to the sides so the chicken roasts evenly.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just check that your Caesar dressing and Parmesan are gluten-free, as some brands add traces of gluten to thicken or enhance flavor.
Can I prep Caesar Chicken ahead of time?
You can assemble everything up to a day ahead and refrigerate, then just bake when you’re ready. This makes Caesar Chicken a brilliant option for entertaining or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let its simplicity fool you—Caesar Chicken is the kind of dish that instantly wins over everyone at the table. I can’t wait for you to try your hand at it, tweak it to your taste, and enjoy it with your favorite sides. There’s always room for an easy, creamy, and seriously satisfying chicken recipe in your rotation!
