Baked Caesar Chicken - 1 Baked Caesar Chicken - 2

Baked Caesar chicken features an irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors.

Imagine tender chicken breasts coated in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

Oh, and then it’s finished with a crispy layer of panko breadcrumbs.

With minimal prep and hands-on time, it’s hard to resist.

Breaded baked Caesar chicken, garnished with chopped parsley in a baking dish, overhead view. - 3

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken

Simple Preparation : Since you’ll use pre-made Caeser dressing, this dish is ready for the oven in just 5 minutes! Versatile Pairings : Rich, moist, and flavorful chicken pairs well with everything from simple salads and steamed vegetables to mashed potatoes or rice. Minimal Cleanup : As a one-dish recipe, it minimizes the required cleanup, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. Crispy Contrast : The golden, crunchy panko topping provides a delightful textural contrast to the juicy chicken underneath.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean, healthy protein that takes on the flavors of the creamy Caesar coating.

  • Salt & Black Pepper: The essential seasoning duo that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and adds a hint of spice.

  • Caesar Salad Dressing: The tangy, garlicky goodness we all know and love. Get a brand you know you enjoy!

  • Mozzarella Cheese (optional): Melty and gooey when baked, it provides a mild, delicate flavor and irresistible cheese pull.

  • Parmesan Cheese: The umami bomb.

  • Panko Breadcrumbs: The crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.

  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh, and vibrant finishing touch.

Close-up of baked Caesar chicken breasts with fresh herbs in a white baking dish. - 4

How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken

Trust me, your family is going to be obsessed with this chicken! It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner but also impressive enough for company.

I served mine with some roasted broccoli and garlic bread to round out the meal, and it was gone in a flash.

Luckily, it comes together just as fast!

  1. PREHEAT the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. 2. POUND the chicken breasts to an even thickness, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper. 3. SPREAD 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing in the baking dish. Place the chicken in a single layer and cover with the remaining dressing. 4. BAKE for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 5. TOP the cooked chicken with mozzarella (if using), Parmesan, and panko breadcrumbs. 6. BROIL for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. 7. REST for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot. Enjoy!
Baked Caesar chicken with panko crumbs on a white plate. - 5

Tips For the Best Baked Caesar Chicken

This dish is a total crowd-pleaser in my house.

I mean, how can you go wrong with juicy chicken smothered in a creamy Caesar sauce and topped with salty Parmesan cheese?!

You can’t, really. But I do have a few tips anyway:

  • Even thickness . Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.

  • Season well . Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken, adding essential flavor.

  • Coat thoroughly . Coat both sides of the chicken with the dressing for maximum flavor. Feel free to roll the meat over in the dish to get all the nooks and crannies.

  • Use full-fat dressing. It tastes richer and won’t go as watery in the oven.

  • Broil carefully . Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking to melt the cheese and toast the breadcrumbs. But keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

  • Rest before serving . Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps retain juices and makes the chicken more tender.

  • Variations . Experiment with different cheeses like Provolone or fontina, or add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • Serving suggestions . Serve with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes .

A spoon of gravy pouring over baked Caesar chicken slices in a plate. - 6

How to Store

If you’re looking for a new chicken recipe to spice up your dinner rotation, you’ve gotta try this!

The delicious smells coming from your oven will have everyone’s mouths watering.

In fact, it’s so good, I doubt you’ll have leftovers to worry about. But if you do:

To Store: Place cold leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To Freeze: Wrap individual portions of cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the chicken in a baking dish, covering it with foil to retain moisture. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

More Chicken Dinners Your Family Will Love

Roast Chicken Chipotle Chicken Pasta Baked Ranch Chicken Harissa Honey Chicken

Baked Caesar Chicken - 7

Print

Baked Caesar Chicken

4

5

30

716

Baked Caesar chicken has an irresistible balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy flavors. With minimal prep and hands-on time, it’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Italian-seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Pound the chicken breasts between layers of plastic wrap to an even thickness. Pat dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • Spread 1/4 cup of Caesar dressing in the baking dish. Place the chicken in the baking dish in a single layer and spread the remaining Caesar dressing over the top, ensuring it’s fully covered.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Turn the oven to broil on high.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella (if using) and Parmesan cheese over the cooked chicken. Then, sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
  • Broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley, then serve hot. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.

  • Coat both sides of the chicken with the dressing for maximum flavor. Feel free to roll the meat over in the dish to get all the nooks and crannies.

  • Share on Facebook

  • Share on Pinterest