When it comes to easy, indulgent, and flavor-packed dinners, it doesn’t get better than Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. This dish is the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken, a rich, creamy Caesar sauce, and just the right touch of garlic, Parmesan, and crispy breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something special for a Sunday meal, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a few pantry staples, but the bold flavors make it taste like a restaurant-quality meal.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken
- Ridiculously creamy & flavorful – The Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and sour cream create an irresistible sauce.
- Super easy & quick – Just mix, spread, and bake—dinner is ready in 30 minutes!
- Tender & juicy chicken – Baked to perfection, locking in all that moisture.
- Perfect with or without breadcrumbs – A crispy panko topping adds a delicious crunch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Bake Time: 25-30 mins)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Caesar Sauce:
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (use your favorite brand!)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
For the Crispy Topping (Optional):
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Creamy Caesar Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the Caesar dressing, sour cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Spread the sauce generously over the chicken breasts, covering them completely for maximum flavor.
4. Add the Crispy Topping (Optional)
If you love a little crunch, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the chicken for a golden, crispy finish.
5. Bake Until Juicy & Golden
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The sauce should be bubbling and the top lightly golden.
6. Garnish & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
The Best Sides to Serve with Caesar Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
- Steamed or Roasted Broccoli – A fresh, healthy contrast to the creamy chicken.
- Buttery Garlic Bread – To soak up all that delicious sauce!
- Caesar Salad – Because you can never have too much Caesar flavor.
- Lemon Herb Rice – Light and flavorful, with just the right touch of zest.
My Tips for the Best Baked Caesar Chicken
- Use a high-quality Caesar dressing – A thick, creamy dressing gives the sauce its signature richness.
- Avoid overbaking – Chicken breasts dry out fast! Use a meat thermometer and take them out as soon as they hit 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest before serving – This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken extra moist.
- Marinate for extra flavor – If you have time, let the chicken soak in Caesar dressing for 1-2 hours before baking.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
Want to put your own spin on this dish? Try these delicious tweaks!
- Spicy Caesar Chicken – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tsp hot sauce to the sauce.
- Mushroom & Spinach Caesar Chicken – Sauté mushrooms and spinach, then mix them into the sauce before baking.
- Bacon Caesar Chicken – Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before baking.
- Low-Carb Version – Skip the breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly meal.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and are even juicier than breasts. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge 15 minutes before baking to take the chill off.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes! Assemble the chicken with the sauce (but skip the breadcrumbs), and freeze it uncooked for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge, add breadcrumbs, and bake as directed.
Why You Need to Try This Baked Caesar Chicken
This Baked Caesar Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, yet ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or impressing guests, this dish never disappoints.
If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and an effortless dinner recipe, this one’s for you!
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! And if you put your own twist on it—maybe adding bacon, mushrooms, or a spicy kick—I’d love to hear about it. Happy cooking!
Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (use your favorite brand!)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, garlic powder, hot sauce, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the Caesar mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Dot the top with butter for added richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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