Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Caesar salad meets its match in this ultimate caesar chicken recipe that promises a flavor explosion.

Crispy, golden-brown edges lock in tender, juicy meat beneath a perfectly seasoned crust.

Garlic and parmesan dance together, creating a symphony of savory notes you’ll absolutely adore.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Every bite delivers a punch of classic caesar goodness that feels both familiar and exciting.

Mediterranean herbs and a zesty dressing elevate this chicken from ordinary to extraordinary.

You won’t be able to resist diving fork-first into this mouthwatering meal that comes together in minutes.

Common Caesar Chicken Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165F (75C) for safe consumption.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose a lighter Caesar dressing, and opt for reduced-fat cheeses to cut down on calories while maintaining great flavor.

• What if I don't have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work fine. You can also crush crackers or use crushed cornflakes as an alternative crispy topping for the chicken.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensure your Caesar dressing is gluten-free, and check that your cheese is certified gluten-free.

What Makes Ultimate Caesar Chicken a Go-To

• Effortless Gourmet Chicken Dish
• Combines classic Caesar flavors with minimal ingredients, creating a restaurant-quality dinner in under 45 minutes.
• Requires just one baking dish, reducing cleanup and allowing busy families to enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without complex techniques.
• Delivers cheesy, crispy chicken that appeals to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Flexible serving options like pairing with pasta or salad, plus adaptable seasoning levels ensure this recipe matches various taste preferences and dietary needs.

Caesar Chicken Ingredients Checklist

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Caesar Dressing, Sour Cream: Creamy combination that adds rich flavor and moisture to the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, savory cheese layer with great meltability and golden crust.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasoning blend for enhancing chicken's natural flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy coating that creates a golden, crunchy topping.
• Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs achieve a crisp, golden texture.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds aromatic and complex flavor to the breadcrumb topping.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, bright finish to the dish.

Cooking Directions for Ultimate Caesar Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or light grease to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Coat both sides generously for maximum flavor punch.

Step 4: Create the Magical Caesar Sauce

• Caesar dressing
• Sour cream

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Layer the Flavor Base

Spread half the Caesar mixture across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a luscious foundation.

Step 6: Position the Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the sauce layer.

Step 7: Drench in Creamy Goodness

Pour the remaining Caesar mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 8: Cheese It Up

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Evenly distribute for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 9: Craft the Crunchy Topping

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil (or melted butter)
• Italian seasoning

Combine until well-incorporated.

Step 10: Add the Crispy Crown

Scatter the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer, creating a tempting crunchy topping.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F (75C).

Step 12: Golden Finish

Switch to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 13: Rest and Settle

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and settle.

Step 14: Garnish and Beautify

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Extra parmesan cheese

Step 15: Serve and Enjoy

• Pasta
• Roasted potatoes
• Crisp Caesar salad

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Texture

• Customize Caesar Coating: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for low-carb and celiac-friendly versions without compromising crispy texture.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, preventing dry or undercooked chicken with precision.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Replace standard Caesar dressing with homemade or roasted garlic Caesar for more complex, restaurant-quality taste profile.
• Prevent Cheese Burning: Cover with aluminum foil if cheese browns too quickly, ensuring even melting and protecting delicate top layer.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken in advance, refrigerate assembled dish, and bake within 24 hours for convenient, time-saving weeknight dinner option.

Reheat and Storage Tips for Caesar Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover chicken with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to maintain the chicken's texture and prevent overcooking.

Dishes That Complement Caesar Chicken

• Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy Caesar sauce and complements the chicken's richness.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or zucchini seasoned with similar Italian herbs to create a harmonious side dish that matches the chicken's flavor profile.
• Craft a light mixed green salad with cucumber and radish slices to provide a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the creamy, cheesy chicken.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious Caesar sauce and add an extra layer of garlicky goodness to the meal.

Twists on Traditional Caesar Chicken

• Keto-Friendly Caesar Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use a low-carb Caesar dressing. Swap sour cream for full-fat Greek yogurt to maintain ketogenic macros.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and ensure Caesar dressing is dairy-free.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Version: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the Caesar mixture. Swap panko with almond flour for a lighter, herb-packed coating.
• Spicy Southwest Transformation: Mix cayenne pepper and smoked paprika into the Caesar sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese and add diced green chiles for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Caesar-kissed chicken brings classic Italian-American flavors to your dinner table with remarkable simplicity. Rich parmesan, crisp romaine, and tender grilled chicken combine in a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) Italian seasoning

Dairy and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) Caesar dressing
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters / 0.5 fluid ounces) olive oil or melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Thoroughly season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both exterior surfaces.
3. Create a luxurious sauce by whisking Caesar dressing and sour cream until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Distribute half of the creamy Caesar mixture across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Carefully position chicken breasts atop the initial sauce layer, then generously coat the protein with remaining Caesar mixture.
6. Lavishly sprinkle parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the chicken to ensure complete coverage.
7. Craft a crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Italian seasoning, ensuring even moisture distribution.
8. Delicately scatter the seasoned breadcrumb mixture across the cheese-topped chicken for added texture and flavor.
9. Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
10. Activate the broiler for a final 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, perfectly crisp exterior.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
12. Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or an additional sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
13. Complement the dish by serving alongside pasta, roasted potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a better crust and enhance flavor absorption.
• Swap high-fat Caesar dressing for Greek yogurt or light dressing to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
• Customize breadcrumb topping by using gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version or adding crushed nuts for extra crunch.
• Check chicken temperature with meat thermometer at the thickest part to guarantee food safety and prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg