This easy baked Caesar chicken is one of those go-to recipes I rely on when I need something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor. It takes boneless chicken breasts and transforms them into tender, juicy, and creamy bites thanks to the bold flavors of Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese—all with minimal effort and prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish comes together with just a few pantry staples and a bottle of Caesar dressing. The chicken stays moist and flavorful, and the sauce thickens into a creamy, cheesy coating that tastes like way more work than it really is. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want comfort food without fuss, and it pairs well with pretty much any side—from salad to rice to roasted veggies.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
Caesar dressing (creamy style)
-
Grated Parmesan cheese
-
Garlic powder
-
Black pepper
-
Fresh parsley or chopped chives (optional, for garnish)
Directions
-
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
-
I lay the chicken breasts in the dish and season them with garlic powder and black pepper.
-
I spoon Caesar dressing generously over each piece of chicken, making sure they’re well coated.
-
I sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, then cover the dish loosely with foil.
-
I bake the chicken for 25–30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
-
I let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving, and I like to garnish it with fresh herbs for a bit of color and freshness.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep takes only 5–10 minutes, and total bake time is about 40–45 minutes. It’s on the table in under an hour and feels like a real home-cooked meal.
Variations
-
I sometimes use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result.
-
For added crunch, I top the dish with crushed croutons or breadcrumbs in the last 10 minutes of baking.
-
I’ve also mixed a bit of Dijon mustard or lemon juice into the Caesar dressing for extra tang.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, about 10–15 minutes, or microwave it in short bursts. The sauce stays creamy, and the chicken stays moist. I don’t recommend freezing this one since the creamy dressing can separate.
FAQs
Can I use homemade Caesar dressing?
Absolutely. I use homemade when I have time—it gives an extra layer of freshness and bold flavor. Store-bought works great for convenience too.
Will this work with frozen chicken breasts?
I always thaw the chicken fully before baking. Using frozen chicken straight from the freezer can result in uneven cooking and watery sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, I’ve added broccoli, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes around the chicken for a one-pan meal. Just make sure they cook evenly with the chicken.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs. I usually pair it with cauliflower mash or a green salad when I’m keeping things low-carb.
What should I serve with Caesar chicken?
I love it with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or buttered noodles. It also works well sliced and served over a Caesar salad for a lighter option.
Conclusion
Easy baked Caesar chicken is one of those dependable recipes I come back to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights when I need something comforting without a lot of work. With juicy chicken and a creamy, cheesy topping, it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.
PrintEasy Baked Caesar Chicken
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken is a weeknight dinner hero—juicy, tender chicken breasts baked in creamy Caesar dressing and topped with golden Parmesan cheese. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this rich, flavorful dish is a perfect go-to for busy nights or comfort food cravings.
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley or chopped chives, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts in the dish and season with garlic powder and black pepper.
- Spoon Caesar dressing generously over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for an even juicier version.
- Add crushed croutons or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping in the final 10 minutes.
- Mix Dijon mustard or lemon juice into the Caesar dressing for a tangy variation.
- Best with fresh Caesar dressing, but store-bought works perfectly too.
- Don’t use frozen chicken directly—thaw fully for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg