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Caesar Chicken Recipe – A Creamy, Classic Weeknight Favorite

Caesar Chicken Recipe
Do Share Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Caesar Chicken recipe at home, and honestly, I was surprised by how comforting and flavorful it turned out. I wanted something easy but different from plain baked chicken, and this delivered perfectly. The creamy Caesar flavor, juicy chicken, and crispy topping came together so well.

Every bite reminded me of a Caesar salad, but in a warm, satisfying dinner form. Now, whenever I need a reliable crowd-pleaser, this is one of my go-to recipes. You can also enjoy similar flavors with a Best Ube Buchi recipe for a sweet treat afterward.

Caesar Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each) – Try to choose evenly sized chicken breasts so they cook at the same pace.
  • 1 cup crushed Caesar salad croutons – Crushing them finely helps create a crispy, even topping that browns well.
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives stronger, cleaner flavor than packaged cheese.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds extra creaminess and balances the bold, tangy Caesar dressing.
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted – Helps the topping brown evenly and adds rich flavor.
  • 1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing – A thick, creamy dressing works best for coating the chicken evenly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Season lightly since the dressing and cheese already contain salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds better aroma and depth.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Adds color and a fresh finish before serving.

Note: This recipe serves 6 people based on the ingredient quantities listed above.

Variations

This Caesar Chicken recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences:

  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free Caesar dressing and plant-based sour cream.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace croutons with crushed pork rinds or almond flour crumbs.
  • Extra Flavor: Add a little Dijon mustard or lemon zest to the dressing mixture.
  • Spicy Twist: Mix red pepper flakes or cayenne into the sauce for gentle heat.
  • Vegetable Add-Ins: Bake with asparagus, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for a complete meal. You can also try a savory seafood crepes recipe with béchamel sauce as a side or alternative dinner option.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick breakdown of how long everything takes:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Equipment You Need

  • Baking dish – Holds the chicken and sauce while baking evenly.
  • Mixing bowl – Used to combine the dressing and sour cream.
  • Measuring cups and spoons – Ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Knife and cutting board – For trimming chicken and chopping garnish.
  • Oven mitts – Protect hands when removing the hot dish from the oven.

How to Make Caesar Chicken Recipe?

Prepare the Chicken

I start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step helps lock in flavor and ensures the chicken doesn’t release excess moisture. Even seasoning makes a big difference in the final taste.

Caesar Chicken Recipe

Make the Creamy Caesar Sauce

In a bowl, I mix the Caesar dressing and sour cream until smooth. The sour cream softens the sharpness of the dressing and creates a rich, velvety sauce. Stir well so the mixture coats evenly.

Caesar Chicken Recipe

Assemble the Dish

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the creamy Caesar mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly so every piece is fully covered. This keeps the chicken moist while baking.

Caesar Chicken Recipe

Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, combine crushed croutons, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. This mixture creates the signature crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the chicken for consistent texture.

Bake Until Golden

Bake the dish until the chicken is cooked through and the topping turns golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking so the juices settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, here’s what I’ve learned:

  • I always grate Parmesan fresh for better melt and flavor.
  • Crushing the croutons by hand gives a nicer texture than using a processor.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking keeps it juicier.
  • If I want extra crispiness, I broil for the last 2 minutes.
  • A small squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the whole dish.

How to Serve Caesar Chicken Recipe?

This dish pairs well with simple sides that balance its richness:

  • Serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
  • Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
  • Add a fresh green salad for contrast.
  • Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley for an elegant look.

For presentation, I like placing the chicken on a wide plate and sprinkling garnish just before serving.

Caesar Chicken Recipe

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: About 530
  • Protein: Around 38 grams
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 7 grams
  • Fat: Roughly 39 grams

These values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken, but reheating gently helps restore its texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Wrap it well to prevent freezer burn and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short intervals. Cover loosely to prevent drying out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Caesar Chicken recipe is a favorite for many reasons:

  • It delivers rich, comforting flavor with minimal effort.
  • The recipe is simple and beginner-friendly.
  • It works for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • You can easily customize it to fit your diet.
  • It turns classic Caesar flavors into a satisfying main dish.
Caesar Chicken Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Caesar Chicken Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this Caesar Chicken recipe at home, and honestly, I was surprised by how comforting and flavorful it turned out. I wanted something easy but different from plain baked chicken, and this delivered perfectly. The creamy Caesar flavor, juicy chicken, and crispy topping came together so well.
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
  

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 6 ounces each) – Try to choose evenly sized chicken breasts so they cook at the same pace.
  • 1 cup crushed Caesar salad croutons – Crushing them finely helps create a crispy even topping that browns well.
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives stronger cleaner flavor than packaged cheese.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds extra creaminess and balances the bold tangy Caesar dressing.
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted – Helps the topping brown evenly and adds rich flavor.
  • 1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing – A thick creamy dressing works best for coating the chicken evenly.
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Season lightly since the dressing and cheese already contain salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds better aroma and depth.
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish) – Adds color and a fresh finish before serving.

Method
 

  1. I start by patting the chicken breasts dry and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This step helps lock in flavor and ensures the chicken doesn’t release excess moisture. Even seasoning makes a big difference in the final taste.
  2. In a bowl, I mix the Caesar dressing and sour cream until smooth. The sour cream softens the sharpness of the dressing and creates a rich, velvety sauce. Stir well so the mixture coats evenly.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the creamy Caesar mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly so every piece is fully covered. This keeps the chicken moist while baking
  4. In another bowl, combine crushed croutons, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. This mixture creates the signature crunchy topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the chicken for consistent texture.
  5. Bake the dish until the chicken is cooked through and the topping turns golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking so the juices settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • I always grate Parmesan fresh for better melt and flavor.
  • Crushing the croutons by hand gives a nicer texture than using a processor.
  • Letting the chicken rest after baking keeps it juicier.
  • If I want extra crispiness, I broil for the last 2 minutes.
  • A small squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the whole dish.

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