If you’re craving a meal that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, this Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is your perfect go-to. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy Caesar dressing, topped with a golden, crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust that adds just the right amount of zing and texture. It’s a dish that brings the beloved flavors of Caesar salad to your dinner plate in the most satisfying, warm-baked way possible. Whether it’s a weeknight supper or a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe right is all about simple, quality ingredients that build layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a straightforward but vital role—from the bright, tangy Caesar dressing that infuses the chicken to the crispy, cheesy breadcrumb coating that provides a delightful crunch.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, ensuring moist and tender bites.
- 1 cup Caesar dressing: Brings that classic, creamy Caesar flavor packed with garlic and anchovies to the chicken.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and helps create a beautifully golden topping.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Amplifies the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right hint of spice and depth.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Give the chicken a fantastic crispy exterior and texture contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Drizzled on top, it aids in browning the crust perfectly in the oven.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish to each serving.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures the chicken cooks evenly, allowing the coating to crisp up without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Mix the Caesar dressing with spices
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing with garlic powder and black pepper. This blend gives your chicken that authentic Caesar salad taste, balanced perfectly with a bit of seasoning kick.
Step 3: Coat the chicken breasts
Take each chicken breast and generously coat it in the dressing mixture, making sure every inch is covered. This not only flavors the chicken inside but also helps the breadcrumb topping stick beautifully.
Step 4: Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan
In a separate bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This combo forms the irresistible crust that will bake to a gorgeous golden brown.
Step 5: Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken
Firmly press the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture onto the coated chicken breasts, creating an even layer on all sides. Don’t be shy—this is what gives the dish its satisfying crunch.
Step 6: Prepare for baking
Arrange the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Drizzle each piece with a little olive oil to promote crispiness and a rich flavor while baking.
Step 7: Bake until cooked through
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked all the way through, with the internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C), and the crust should look golden and inviting.
Step 8: Garnish and serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken breast to add a lovely color contrast and a slight herbal brightness that complements the richness of the dish.
How to Serve Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is an easy and beautiful garnish that enhances the dish’s presentation and adds a subtle freshness. For extra flair, a light dusting of more Parmesan right before serving is also fantastic.
Side Dishes
This Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even creamy mashed potatoes. Think about balancing the richness with something light or offering a starch to soak up any extra sauce or juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Baked Caesar Chicken on a bed of crisp romaine for a playful twist that mimics the salad experience. You can also slice the chicken and place it atop pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and herbs for a heartier meal twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place your leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures the chicken maintains its moisture and the breadcrumb topping stays as crisp as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions wrapped tightly in foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to consume within two months for best flavor and texture, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat and keep the crust crispy, use an oven or toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes instead of microwaving. This way the chicken warms through evenly without sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, though you might need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is it necessary to use store-bought Caesar dressing?
You can make your own Caesar dressing if preferred, but a good-quality store-bought version works perfectly and keeps this recipe quick and easy.
How can I make the breadcrumb crust extra crunchy?
Drizzling olive oil over the breadcrumb coating before baking is key for crispiness. You can also bake on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation underneath.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can coat the chicken in the dressing and breadcrumbs up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add the olive oil drizzle right before baking.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with Pecorino Romano or a similar hard cheese, but Parmesan is ideal for its flavor and meltability in this Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is one of those winning dishes that feels both familiar and exciting thanks to its deliciously indulgent flavor and crispy texture. It’s straightforward enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it might become your dinner table staple!
Print
Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a creamy Caesar dressing and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines classic Caesar salad flavors with the comforting texture of baked chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare dressing mixture: In a bowl, combine Caesar dressing with garlic powder and black pepper, blending well to create a flavorful coating.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the dressing mixture, ensuring they are fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Mix breadcrumb topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to form the crispy crust.
- Apply breadcrumb crust: Press the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture firmly onto the coated chicken breasts, covering them evenly.
- Arrange and oil: Place the prepared chicken breasts on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake chicken: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and serve: Once baked, garnish the chicken breasts with fresh parsley to add color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a green salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
