Short Description
Ultimate Caesar Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs well with pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The Caesar dressing and Parmesan create a decadent sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a quick and easy meal.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides like pasta, salad, or roasted veggies.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required for a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Caesar dressing
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Spread Caesar dressing over each piece and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Crispy Topping: Add panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crunchy finish.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in a little sour cream or heavy cream to the dressing.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Use a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra cheesiness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Adjust the baking time accordingly as bone-in chicken may take longer to cook.
What’s the best Caesar dressing to use?
Use a high-quality store-bought dressing or make your own for the best flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.
What sides go well with Caesar chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple Caesar salad complement it well.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
How do I keep the chicken moist?
Avoid overbaking and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will be juicier and may need a few extra minutes of baking time.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure your Caesar dressing is gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Try Asiago, Romano, or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
How do I make this dish lower in fat?
Use a light Caesar dressing and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
Ultimate Caesar Chicken is a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish perfect for any night of the week. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite!
PrintUltimate Caesar Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
Description
This Ultimate Caesar Chicken features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Caesar dressing, baked until golden and topped with crispy Parmesan. Serve it with pasta, rice, or roasted veggies for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Caesar Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt, for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (or more Parmesan for extra crispiness)
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear chicken in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes per side, until lightly golden (but not fully cooked). Transfer to the baking dish.
- Step 2: Make the Caesar Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Step 3: Add the Crispy Topping
- In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, mozzarella, and parsley.
- Sprinkle over the chicken for a crispy, cheesy topping.
- Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan & fresh herbs. Serve warm!
Notes
- No panko? Use crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Want extra crispy topping? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Side ideas: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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