Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce
By Jason Griffith
When life gets hectic, the last thing you want to do is spend hours over a hot stove or scouring the pantry for a dozen different spices. That is exactly why this Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s a “magic” recipe of sorts—using the creamy, tangy profile of a classic salad dressing to transform standard chicken breasts into something elegant, tender, and deeply savory.
If you’ve ever struggled with dry, rubbery baked chicken, this recipe is your solution. The dressing acts as a marinade and a protective coating, locking in moisture while the Parmesan cheese creates a golden, salty crust that is absolutely irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are three main reasons this dish wins every time:
- Minimal Prep: You can have this in the oven in under five minutes.
- Flavor Punch: Between the garlic, Italian herbs, and the fermented tang of the Caesar dressing, the flavor profile is complex without the extra work.
- Versatility: It feels fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a Tuesday night. It’s a fantastic alternative when you want a break from your usual routine, like my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole.
The Ingredients
To get that perfect “melt-in-your-mouth” texture, you only need a handful of high-quality ingredients:
- 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Try to find pieces that are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- 1/2 Cup Caesar Dressing: Use a high-quality, creamy refrigerated brand for the best results.
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts best, but the green shaker bottle works in a pinch for a saltier crust.
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a sweet, punchy depth.
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to round out the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: For that pop of color and freshness at the end.
Swaps and Notes
- The Dressing: If you aren’t a fan of Caesar, you can substitute with Ranch or even a creamy Greek dressing.
- The Cheese: Swap half the Parmesan for shredded Mozzarella if you want a “cheesy pull” effect.
- The Protein: This sauce works beautifully on chicken thighs as well—just increase the bake time by about 5–10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin layer of olive oil. High heat is essential here to get that Parmesan crust to bubble without overcooking the center of the meat.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This ensures the seasoning and sauce stick rather than sliding off. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Coat with Caesar Sauce
Place the seasoned chicken in the baking dish. Pour the 1/2 cup of Caesar dressing over the tops. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to ensure every inch of the chicken is coated. This layer of fat and acid is what keeps the chicken incredibly juicy.
4. The Parmesan Topping
Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressing. It will mix slightly with the dressing during the bake, creating a thick, savory sauce.
5. Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the center rack of the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer! The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Garnish and Rest
Once removed from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd: Ensure there is a little bit of space between each breast in the pan so the heat can circulate.
- Broil for Color: If the cheese isn’t as golden as you’d like after 25 minutes, pop the broiler on for 1–2 minutes at the very end.
- Uniformity: If one chicken breast is much thicker than the others, use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This chicken is a protein powerhouse that pairs well with almost anything.
- For a Full Italian Spread: Serve it alongside a side of pasta using my Classic Spaghetti Recipe.
- For a Lighter Meal: Pair it with a crisp romaine salad (using the leftover Caesar dressing) or roasted asparagus.
- For Breakfast the Next Day: If you have leftovers, slice them thin and tuck them into a 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap for a high-protein start to your day.
- Appetizer Pairing: If you’re hosting a dinner party, start the meal with this Baked Brie Appetizer to keep guests happy while the chicken bakes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to keep it from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the Parmesan sauce a bit oily.
- Repurposing: This chicken makes the best cold chicken salad or sandwich filling for lunch the next day.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed this easy oven-baked meal, you have to try these other crowd-pleasers:
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas — Another “feed a crowd fast” favorite.
- Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole — Perfect for those who love one-pan wonders.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make a gourmet-quality meal. It’s reliable, delicious, and honestly, a bit addictive. I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you add extra cheese? Use a spicy dressing?
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts, and don’t forget to follow ChefManiac for more kitchen inspiration!
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