The Best Caesar Chicken Recipe for Effortless Weeknight Magic

Caesar’s legendary status meets culinary magic in this ultimate caesar chicken recipe that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Crispy, herb-coated chicken breasts transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Creamy dressing cascades over perfectly seasoned meat, creating layers of irresistible flavor.

Bold garlic notes and tangy parmesan cheese dance across each tender bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Succulent chicken dressed in classic caesar ingredients will make you the star of any mealtime gathering.

Ultimate Caesar Chicken That’s Just Too Good to Miss

• Speedy Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious Caesar chicken in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a hassle-free dinner that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: The creamy Caesar sauce and melted Parmesan cheese transform ordinary chicken into a rich, indulgent dish that satisfies comfort food cravings while feeling slightly gourmet.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve alongside salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a complete meal that works brilliantly for casual family dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining with friends.

Ultimate Caesar Chicken – Ingredient Rundown

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein source with a mild flavor, perfect for absorbing sauce flavors. Boneless and skinless work best for even cooking.

• Caesar Dressing, Sour Cream: Creamy base that adds rich tangy flavor to the chicken. Store-bought or homemade dressing works well.
• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Provides depth and subtle spiciness to enhance overall taste. Fresh ground pepper recommended for better flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty finish with a golden crispy texture when baked. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-packaged.
• Fresh Parsley, Chives: Optional green garnish that brings freshness and color to the finished dish. Finely chopped for best presentation.

Caesar Chicken Prep You’ll Want on Repeat

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Grab paper towels and gently pat the chicken breasts until completely dry.

Carefully place them in the greased baking dish, spreading them out evenly.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Caesar Sauce

• Caesar dressing
• Sour cream
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Pour the Caesar sauce over the chicken breasts.

Use a spoon or brush to ensure every inch of the chicken gets a delicious, even coating.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheesy Goodness

Shower the chicken with a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese.

Make sure the cheese covers the entire surface of each chicken breast.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

The top should look golden and slightly bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Pull the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

If you want, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for extra flavor and color.

Top-Notch Tips for Caesar Chicken Excellence

• Select full-fat Caesar dressing for richer flavor or light version for healthier approach without compromising taste.
• Use chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and retain moisture throughout baking process.
• Add crispy breadcrumbs or crushed croutons on top during final 5 minutes of baking for extra textural contrast and golden crust.
• Always use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked protein.
• Prepare chicken ahead and refrigerate before baking, allowing flavors to intensify and creating convenient make-ahead dinner option.

Reheat Ultimate Caesar Chicken Easily

• Store leftover Caesar chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
• Reheat individual portions for 1-2 minutes on medium power. Add a splash of water or extra Caesar dressing to keep chicken juicy and prevent toughness.
• Always verify chicken is steaming hot throughout and discard any leftovers kept longer than 4 days. Consume reheated chicken within 2 days for best quality and taste.

Best Bites for Caesar Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy Caesar sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Prepare asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans with garlic and olive oil to create a perfectly balanced side dish that echoes the garlic notes in the Caesar coating.
• Create a Fresh Caesar Salad Companion: Whip up a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, homemade croutons, and extra Parmesan to mirror the flavors of the chicken and provide a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Match with Herbed Focaccia Bread: Bake a simple herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious Caesar sauce, adding a rustic and aromatic element to the meal that enhances the overall dining experience.

Caesar Chicken Classic or Bold Versions

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace sour cream with coconut cream and use vegan Caesar dressing. Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the regular Caesar dressing and create a homemade version using Greek yogurt, anchovy paste, and fresh garlic. Top with crushed pork rinds instead of cheese for extra crunch.
• Mediterranean Style: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the chicken. Use Greek-style Caesar dressing for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Mix fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil into the Caesar sauce. Sprinkle extra herbs on top before baking for an aromatic enhancement.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade Caesar dressing instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade Caesar dressing works perfectly and can enhance the flavor of the dish with fresher ingredients.

• What if I don't have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or skip it entirely. The Caesar dressing will still provide enough moisture and flavor to the chicken.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight meals.

• How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Use chicken breasts of similar size, pat them dry before cooking, and avoid overcooking. The Caesar mixture helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful during baking.

Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Ultimate Caesar Chicken brings Italian-inspired flavors to classic poultry, blending creamy dressing with perfectly seasoned meat. Crisp romaine and parmesan cheese create a delightful companion that will make your dinner table sing with Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy Components:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) Caesar dressing

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• fresh parsley or chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Meticulously dry the chicken breasts using paper towels, then carefully arrange them in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
3. Create a creamy Caesar sauce by whisking together Caesar dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, and freshly cracked black pepper in a medium mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Generously coat each chicken breast with the prepared Caesar sauce, using a silicone brush or spoon to evenly distribute the mixture and ensure complete coverage.
5. Lavishly sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sauced chicken, creating a delectable golden-brown topping that will crisp during baking.
6. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 25–30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top develops a tantalizing golden crust.
7. Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and allows flavors to settle.
8. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes before serving.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Swap regular Caesar dressing with lighter versions or homemade alternatives to reduce calories and control ingredients.
• Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in Caesar mixture for 30 minutes before baking, allowing deeper taste penetration.
• Create a gluten-free version by using certified gluten-free Caesar dressing and checking Parmesan cheese ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg