If you’re looking for a dinner that’s fast, flavor-packed, and sure to become a family favorite, Caesar Chicken checks every box. Imagine succulent chicken breasts smothered with creamy Caesar dressing, tangy sour cream, and a golden crust of Parmesan—each bite exploding with savory goodness. With just a handful of kitchen staples and one baking dish, you can whip up this stunningly simple yet luscious main course that brings restaurant vibes right to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Caesar Chicken is how such humble ingredients pair to create something unforgettable. Each one adds a layer of flavor or texture that’s crucial, so don’t skimp—you’ll taste the difference in every forkful!
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for moist, tender results and easy serving.
- Caesar Salad Dressing: Go for your favorite brand, but a creamy, garlicky dressing will add the most zing.
- Sour Cream: This gives the sauce body and a subtle tang for serious creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and crowns the dish with a salty, nutty crust.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts aroma and brings out that classic Caesar flair.
- Black Pepper: A dash of pepper rounds out all those creamy, cheesy flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: A shower of parsley adds color and freshens up the finished look and taste.
How to Make Caesar Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps the chicken cook evenly without sticking, plus it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure there’s a little space between each piece for the sauce to surround every side.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Caesar Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar salad dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper until completely smooth. This mixture is what transforms ordinary chicken into unforgettable Caesar Chicken, so don’t be shy about scraping every last bit from the bowl.
Step 4: Smother the Chicken
Spread the creamy sauce generously and evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring every surface is coated. This keeps the meat juicy and infuses it with all that bright, zesty Caesar flavor.
Step 5: Top with Parmesan
Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in an even layer over the sauced chicken. This will melt and turn golden during baking, giving you that iconic topping that makes Caesar Chicken so irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Caesar Chicken rest for a couple minutes before scattering with chopped fresh parsley. It’s the simple finishing touch that makes the flavors pop and turns your bake into a showstopper.
How to Serve Caesar Chicken
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley—it lifts the whole dish, both visually and in flavor. For a little extra punch, try a dusting of lemon zest or even a few shavings of extra Parmesan just before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy, savory chicken loves simple accompaniments! Pair it with roasted veggies, buttery pasta, or—my go-to—a crisp Caesar salad. The richness of the dish craves something fresh and green on the side, but garlic bread or rice also work beautifully for catching that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You’ll be amazed at how versatile Caesar Chicken can be! Slice it and tuck into sandwiches with arugula and roasted tomatoes, serve over herbed orzo for a Mediterranean twist, or chop leftovers to top a grain bowl with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Caesar Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, so leftovers are every bit as tasty as day one!
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Caesar Chicken will keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through. To keep the toppings from drying out, cover loosely with foil. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just slice the chicken for more even heating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to be even juicier. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as they may cook a bit faster or slower depending on size.
What Caesar dressing is best for Caesar Chicken?
Any creamy Caesar dressing you love will work, but ones with lots of garlic and a good tang make the dish really sing. Homemade dressing is amazing if you’re up for it, but store-bought keeps this recipe weeknight-easy.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply check the labels on your Caesar dressing and sour cream to ensure they’re gluten-free—most mainstream brands already are, but it’s always good to double check.
Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?
For a lighter version, use light Caesar dressing and reduced-fat sour cream. You’ll still get great flavor and creaminess with a little less richness, making your Caesar Chicken just as delicious.
Can I prepare Caesar Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble everything up to the point before baking, cover, and chill for several hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort with irresistible flavor, Caesar Chicken is the answer you’ve been waiting for. It’s easy enough for busy nights yet special enough for guests—so why not give it a try? I promise you’ll come back to this creamy, cheesy, zesty recipe again and again!
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Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy and savory Caesar Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a decadent Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese topping, baked to perfection. A delightful main course that is easy to make and sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare chicken: Place chicken breasts in the dish.
- Mix ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together Caesar dressing, sour cream, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken: Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, pasta, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, use light Caesar dressing and reduced-fat sour cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
