If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and unbelievably juicy chicken dinner, this Baked Caesar Chicken is about to become your new go-to recipe! Tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce, then optionally topped with crispy, buttery panko—it’s a restaurant-worthy dish that’s actually effortless to make at home.
Whether you serve it with roasted veggies, pasta, rice, or a simple green salad, this Caesar Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken
- Super creamy & flavorful – The Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and sour cream create an incredibly rich sauce.
- Tender & juicy every time – Baking locks in moisture, making the chicken fall-apart tender.
- Ridiculously easy – Just mix, spread, bake, and enjoy!
- Optional crispy topping – Panko breadcrumbs add a golden, crunchy finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 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). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
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 them in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Creamy Caesar Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the Caesar dressing, sour cream, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Spread the mixture generously over the chicken breasts, making sure to coat them evenly.
4. Add the Crispy Topping (Optional)
For a golden, crispy top, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the sauce-covered chicken.
5. Bake Until Juicy & Golden
Bake the chicken uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The top should be golden and bubbling.
6. Garnish & Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve warm with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a crisp green salad.
The Best Sides to Serve with Caesar Chicken
- Roasted Garlic Potatoes – A simple side that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Broccoli – Adds a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich chicken.
- Buttery Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious sauce.
- Lemon Herb Rice – Light, fluffy, and flavorful.
- Caesar Salad – Because double Caesar is always a good idea!
My Tips for the Best Baked Caesar Chicken
- Use high-quality Caesar dressing – A thick, creamy dressing works best. Avoid the super thin, runny ones.
- Don’t overbake – Chicken dries out quickly! Use a meat thermometer and remove it from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F (75°C).
- Let it rest before serving – This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken extra moist.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken – If you have time, let the chicken soak in Caesar dressing for 1-2 hours before baking.
Fun Variations & Add-Ins
Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations!
- Spicy Caesar Chicken – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or 1 tsp hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.
- 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 version.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be even juicier than breasts. Just adjust the cooking time (thighs may need a few extra minutes).
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can 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 leftovers 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 Caesar Chicken
This Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken is everything you want in an easy, flavor-packed dinner—rich, creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously simple to make. It’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests.
If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and a dish that comes together with minimal effort, this Caesar Chicken is calling your name!
Give this recipe 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!
How to Make Creamy Caesar Chicken – The Juiciest Oven-Baked Recipe Ever
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 (optional for a kick)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the Caesar dressing, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and hot sauce.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the creamy Caesar mixture over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
- If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
- 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 sauce is bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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