Baked Caesar Chicken: Creamy, Savory, and Effortless
Introduction to Baked Caesar Chicken
If you love Caesar salad and crave something warm, creamy, and comforting for dinner, this Baked Caesar Chicken is for you. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese topping—ready to serve with veggies, pasta, or rice. It’s simple, quick, and sure to be a family favorite.
History and Origins of Baked Caesar Chicken
This dish is a modern twist on the flavors of the classic Caesar salad, created in the 1920s by Caesar Cardini. While Caesar dressing is usually reserved for salads, home cooks started experimenting by using it as a marinade or sauce base—especially for baked chicken. The result? A creamy, tangy, cheesy main dish with the familiar savory notes of the beloved salad.
Baked Caesar Chicken: A Culinary Convergence
Blending the sharpness of Caesar dressing with the saltiness of Parmesan cheese and the creaminess of mayo or sour cream, this dish creates a tender, rich, and flavorful chicken bake. It’s ideal for quick dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 medium (about 1.5–2 lbs) |
| Caesar dressing | ½ cup |
| Sour cream or mayo (optional for extra creaminess) | ¼ cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste (optional) |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | Optional |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving, Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Sodium | High (depends on Caesar dressing) |
| Fiber | 0g |
Instructions
1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in the dish.
2: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine Caesar dressing, sour cream or mayo (if using), garlic powder, pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Mix until smooth.
3: Coat and Bake
- Spread the Caesar mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional: Broil for the last 2 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top.
4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted veggies, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Serving Benefits
- Quick to prepare: Perfect for weeknights.
- Minimal cleanup: One pan recipe.
- Family-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- Meal prep friendly: Stores and reheats well.
Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Easy to make with pantry staples
✅ Moist, tender chicken every time
✅ Versatile – great with any side
✅ Crowd-pleasing and kid-friendly
Cons
⚠️ Caesar dressing can be high in sodium
⚠️ Not dairy-free
⚠️ May not appeal to those who dislike creamy textures
FAQs
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust baking time as needed.
Yes, assemble ahead and store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Use a high-quality creamy Caesar dressing for best flavor—homemade or store-bought both work.
Conclusion
Baked Caesar Chicken is one of those low-effort, high-reward meals that delivers rich flavor with minimal prep. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this dish is perfect for when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it up for your next cozy family dinner—you won’t be disappointed!
