Introduction
This Baked Caesar Chicken is the perfect comfort food — tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a creamy Caesar and Parmesan sauce, then baked to golden perfection. It’s rich, savory, and bursting with the familiar tang of Caesar dressing, balanced by melted cheese and a hint of garlic.
Best of all, it takes minimal prep and uses everyday ingredients. Serve it with pasta, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that feels both elegant and easy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (use a good-quality creamy Caesar)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or casserole pan with nonstick spray or butter.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- (Optional) Sear chicken in a hot skillet with a little olive oil for 1–2 minutes per side to give them a golden crust — this adds flavor.
- Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix together Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon the creamy Caesar-Parmesan sauce evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or provolone) on top.
- Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the top is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Serve hot with a side of roasted potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies.
Tips & Variations
- Add crunch: Top with crushed croutons before baking for a “Caesar salad” crunch.
- Use thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.
- Extra flavor: Mix a little Dijon mustard into the sauce for a subtle tang.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy, cheesy chicken with:
- Garlic butter pasta or linguine
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- A fresh Caesar salad for a double Caesar experience!