Easy Baked Caesar Chicken: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner
Are you searching for a new chicken recipe that is both incredibly easy to make and bursting with flavor? Look no further! Our **Baked Caesar Chicken** is a fantastic solution for busy weeknights, offering tender chicken breasts generously coated in a rich, creamy Caesar dressing and baked until golden perfection. This dish effortlessly elevates your dinner routine, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.
Imagine juicy, succulent chicken, infused with the savory tang of Caesar dressing, topped with a delightful crispy Parmesan crust. This fuss-free recipe requires just a handful of common ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for those evenings when you crave something comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation, leaving your family asking for more!
Tired of serving the same old, uninspiring chicken dinners? This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe is the exciting change you need! Its simplicity combined with its robust flavor profile makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a hectic Tuesday night or a relaxed weekend meal, this dish delivers maximum taste with just 5 key ingredients, getting a satisfying meal on your table in no time. It’s so good, you might even consider making a double batch for leftovers!
Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Baked Caesar Chicken
This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary hack that brings incredible flavor with astonishing ease. Here’s why it will quickly become one of your favorite meals:
- Effortlessly Easy – Forget complicated steps and lengthy ingredient lists. This recipe calls for just 5 simple ingredients and requires about 5 minutes of active preparation before it goes into the oven. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner for those busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor – The secret to this dish’s irresistible taste lies in the Caesar dressing. Renowned for its bold, savory, and slightly tangy notes, it infuses the chicken with a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and exciting. Feel free to use your favorite brand of creamy Caesar dressing – they all work wonderfully to create a truly delicious meal.
- Incredibly Versatile – This is a foundational recipe that invites creativity. While Parmesan cheese is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like gooey Mozzarella or sharp Provolone for a different twist. If you like a little heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick. This dish is designed to be customized, so get creative and tailor it to your family’s preferences!
- Perfect for Meal Prep – With its simple ingredients and straightforward baking method, this Caesar chicken is excellent for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, ready-to-reheat meals for lunches or quick dinners, saving you time and stress.
- Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – The familiar and beloved flavors of Caesar dressing make this chicken a hit with both adults and children. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a new twist on chicken that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Caesar Chicken
For the exact measurements and full instructions, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the complete printable recipe card.
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful and delicious meal. You’ll be delighted by how few items you need to create such a flavorful dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and remain incredibly juicy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and contributes to that beautiful golden crust. Don’t skip this!
- Caesar Dressing: The star of the show! A good quality, creamy Caesar dressing is crucial. Choose your favorite brand for the best results. Full-fat dressings tend to work best for texture and flavor when baked.
- Black Pepper: A simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and dressing. You might find you don’t need additional salt, as the dressing and cheese provide plenty.
- Italian Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a wonderful crispy topping and extra texture. Italian-style panko adds a blend of herbs and spices, complementing the Caesar flavor perfectly.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken
Preparing this dish is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even the most novice cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal every time:
- Prepare the Chicken. Begin by preheating your oven to 375º F (190º C). Next, lightly season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with black pepper. It’s generally not necessary to add salt at this stage, as both the Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing contribute a good amount of sodium. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single, even layer in a casserole dish. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them (cutting them horizontally in half) to ensure even cooking.
- Layer with Cheese and Dressing. Once the chicken is nestled in the pan, generously sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over each piece. Follow this by pouring the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well-coated. You can use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the dressing for full coverage, if needed.
- Add the Crispy Topping. For that irresistible golden crust, sprinkle the Italian Panko breadcrumbs over the dressing-coated chicken. Aim for a nice, even layer to ensure a uniform crispiness across the dish.
- Bake to Perfection. Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. The precise cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. The most reliable way to determine doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is perfectly cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165º F (74º C). For an extra golden and crispy top, you can briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the very end, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.
How Long Does It Take To Bake Chicken Breasts?
The cooking time for chicken breasts can vary significantly based on their thickness. Many chicken breasts sold in grocery stores today are quite large, sometimes weighing almost a pound each. To ensure even cooking and faster results for this recipe, I highly recommend butterflying these thicker pieces (cutting them horizontally in half). This creates two thinner chicken breasts that will cook more uniformly and prevent the edges from drying out before the center is done. When butterflied, these thinner chicken pieces will typically cook in about **25-30 minutes at 375º F (190º C).**
The absolute best way to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender chicken every time is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken only needs to reach an internal temperature of **165º F (74º C)** to be safe to eat. Many people, out of concern for undercooking, unfortunately overcook their chicken, resulting in dry and tough meat. By using a thermometer and pulling the chicken from the oven as soon as it hits 165º F, you’ll consistently achieve moist, flavorful results.
Recipe Tips & Delicious Variations
While this Baked Caesar Chicken recipe is fantastic as written, these tips and variations will help you achieve the best results and allow you to customize it to your liking:
- Opt for Full-Fat Caesar Dressing. For the creamiest and most stable sauce, I highly recommend using a full-fat Caesar dressing. Lower-fat or fat-free versions often contain more liquid and emulsifiers that can sometimes separate or become oily when subjected to the heat of the oven. A full-fat dressing will provide a richer texture and superior flavor that holds up beautifully during baking.
- Maintain a Moderate Baking Temperature. While some chicken recipes benefit from high heat for crispy skin, when baking with a creamy sauce like Caesar dressing, a moderate temperature is key. Baking at around 375º F (190º C) prevents the sauce from curdling, separating, or drying out, ensuring it remains smooth and luscious. This temperature is high enough to cook the chicken through and achieve a golden crust without compromising the sauce’s integrity.
- Experiment with Different Cheeses. Parmesan cheese is a natural fit for Caesar flavors, especially given its role in a classic Chicken Caesar Salad. However, feel free to switch things up! Mozzarella will give you a meltier, stringier topping, while Provolone offers a slightly sharper, savory note. A blend of Italian cheeses could also work wonders, adding complexity and variety.
- Always Use a Meat Thermometer. This is perhaps the most crucial tip for perfectly cooked chicken. An instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of baking. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding bone if applicable) to ensure it reaches 165º F (74º C). This prevents overcooking, guaranteeing your chicken remains wonderfully juicy and tender, not dry and rubbery. You’ll be confident it’s safe to eat without sacrificing texture.
- Explore Other Cuts Of Chicken. This recipe is incredibly adaptable! Boneless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative, offering even more moisture and rich flavor. While you could technically use any cut of chicken, including bone-in pieces, remember that cooking times will need to be adjusted significantly. For a super quick meal, chicken tenders are an excellent choice as their smaller size means they cook much faster, making them ideal for an even quicker weeknight dinner.
- Add Fresh Herbs. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or even a little dill over the finished dish can add a burst of freshness and color.
- Spice It Up. If you love a little heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb topping or directly to the Caesar dressing before baking.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream. For extra garlic flavor, mince a clove or two of fresh garlic and mix it into the Caesar dressing, or sprinkle some garlic powder with the black pepper.
I personally rely on the Thermapen Mk4 to accurately check the temperature of my meat throughout the cooking process. It’s the most precise and reliable thermometer I’ve found and have been using it for many years to ensure perfect results every time!
Storing Leftover Baked Caesar Chicken
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious Baked Caesar Chicken for days to come. Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, be mindful that the creamy sauce may tend to separate slightly, especially in the microwave. If using the microwave, the best approach is to reheat it slowly at 50% power, stirring occasionally, to help maintain the sauce’s texture. For the absolute best results, gently reheat the chicken in the oven at 350º F (175º C) until it’s thoroughly warmed through. This method helps the sauce stay cohesive and keeps the chicken from drying out.
What to Serve with Baked Caesar Chicken
This incredibly versatile dinner pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some fantastic options to complete your meal:
- Simple Tossed Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect counterpoint to the rich chicken.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture of mashed potatoes provides a comforting base that soaks up all the delicious Caesar sauce.
- Roasted Asparagus: Roasted vegetables, like tender asparagus, offer a healthy and flavorful side that’s easy to prepare.
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, contrasting wonderfully with the creamy chicken.
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce!
- Steamed Green Beans: A light and fresh vegetable option.
- Quinoa or Rice Pilaf: For a more substantial, grain-based side.
Discover More Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipes
If you loved this simple and flavorful Baked Caesar Chicken, be sure to explore our other fantastic recipes that are perfect for any night of the week:
- Beef Stroganoff
- Crispy Baked Shrimp
- Shrimp Scampi
- Hawaiian Chicken
- Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
Baked Caesar Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup Italian style panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º F (190°C).
- Season chicken evenly with black pepper. If chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them for even cooking. Arrange them in a single, even layer in a casserole dish.4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Generously sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the chicken.1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- Spread the Caesar dressing evenly over the top of the chicken, ensuring good coverage.1 cup Caesar dressing
- Sprinkle the Italian-style panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.1/4 cup Italian style panko breadcrumbs
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74°C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
- For a golden brown and extra crispy top, turn on the broiler during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Information
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