Caesar Chicken Recipe: Creamy, Savory, and Irresistible

• Caesar Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish in which chicken breasts are smothered in Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings and baked until juicy and golden. The result is creamy, tender chicken with a crust of cheesy goodness—everything you love about Caesar salad, minus the lettuce.
• While it’s not the traditional way to serve Caesar flavors, this dish is beloved for its convenience and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s a one-pan meal that delivers both taste and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Caesar Chicken

1. Easy to Make: Just mix, coat, and bake. Minimal prep, minimal dishes.
2. Flavor-Packed: The Caesar dressing, garlic, and Parmesan combine for a punchy, umami-rich flavor.
3. Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this creamy, cheesy chicken.
4. Customizable: Perfect as a standalone dish, over pasta, or shredded in wraps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Recipe for Caesar Chicken dish:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• More Parmesan or shaved cheese
• Crushed croutons (optional)
• Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing

If you want to elevate this recipe, try making your dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mix all ingredients in a bowl. You can blend for a smoother texture.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps the sauce stick and ensures a better sear or roast. If the breasts are thick, consider butterflying or pounding them to even thickness for cooking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix:

• Caesar dressing
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Optional: lemon juice for a touch of acid
• Stir well to combine into a thick, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Spoon the sauce generously over each piece, covering them entirely. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden crust.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra browning, broil the chicken for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Top with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or crushed croutons for crunch.

Variations on Caesar Chicken

Here are some creative twists to try:

1. Caesar Chicken Pasta

   Once the chicken is baked, slice and serve it over cooked fettuccine or penne tossed in the leftover Caesar sauce. Add cherry tomatoes and spinach for color and nutrition.

2. Low-Carb Caesar Chicken Bake

   Add steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice to the baking dish for a low-carb one-pan meal. Great for keto or paleo-friendly diets.

3. Grilled Caesar Chicken

   Instead of baking, marinate the chicken in Caesar dressing for 30 minutes and grill it. Then top with shaved Parmesan and serve with grilled romaine lettuce for a smoky twist on the salad.

4. Stuffed Caesar Chicken

   Butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with mozzarella or spinach before baking. The melted cheese inside adds a decadent touch.

5. Spicy Caesar Chicken

   Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the Caesar mixture for a spicy kick.

1. Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect juiciness. Overcooked chicken becomes dry.
2. Use Good Caesar Dressing: Whether homemade or store-bought, a quality Caesar dressing makes a big difference. Look for one with real Parmesan and anchovy paste for authentic flavor.
3. Finish Under the Broiler: A quick broil gives you that golden, cheesy crust.
4. Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices.

What to Serve with Caesar Chicken

1. Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Cauliflower mash (for a low-carb option)
• Crusty bread or garlic toast

2. Salads

• A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette helps cut the richness.
• Or go all-in with a classic Caesar salad (lettuce, croutons, more dressing!).

3. Grains

• Serve over rice pilaf, quinoa, or couscous for a hearty base.
• A bed of pasta makes for a decadent Caesar Chicken Alfredo.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage:

  Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat:

  Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• Microwave in 30-second intervals, but be careful not to dry it out—add a splash of water or extra Caesar dressing.
  

• Freezing:

  You can freeze Caesar Chicken, but creamy sauces sometimes separate. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly and consume it within one month.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead?

   Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

   Absolutely. Assemble the dish and refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Is Caesar dressing safe to bake?

   Store-bought Caesar dressing is pasteurized and safe for baking. If you make your own with raw egg yolks, ensure they’re cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Your Butcher Shop

Welcome to your favorite butcher shop. We carry custom cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, goat, grass-fed beef, wagyu, deli, and more. We ship across the United States in 1-2 business days.