Hungry for something simple, creamy, and slightly fancy without the fuss?
I throw together this Baked Caesar Chicken when I want comfort food that still feels like a win.
You’ll get tender baked chicken, a garlicky Caesar kick, and a golden Parmesan finish with almost zero drama.
If you like hands-off dinners, you might also enjoy this baked chicken tacos recipe that keeps cleanup minimal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick weeknight dinner that looks and tastes special.
- Minimal ingredients and cleanup — great when you don’t want fuss.
- Bold Caesar flavor with a cheesy crust that makes leftovers better.
- Flexible for salads, bowls, or sandwiches the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 thin-sliced chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Parsley, for serving
How to Make (Step-by-Step)
STEP 1
Preheat oven to 400F.
STEP 2
Spread half of the Caesar dressing in bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish.
STEP 3
Place chicken breasts on top of Caesar dressing.
STEP 4
Spread remaining dressing on top of chicken, making sure it’s all covered.
STEP 5
Bake 20 – 25 minutes until thickest pieces of chicken reach 165F. Remove from oven.
STEP 6
Turn broiler on high.
STEP 7
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over chicken.
STEP 8
Broil until cheese is melted and browned. This will only take a couple minutes so watch closely.
STEP 9
Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Pound chicken thin for even cooking and faster bake time.
- Use full-fat Caesar dressing for richer flavor; low-fat versions taste thin.
- Check the internal temperature with a thermometer to hit 165°F precisely.
- Don’t walk away during broil — cheese goes from perfect to charred fast.
Fun Variations & Topping Ideas
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky crunch.
- Swap chicken for turkey cutlets in a pinch.
- Stir in chopped anchovies if you love classic Caesar depth.
Toppings:
- Toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
- Extra Parmesan shavings for that restaurant vibe.
- Lemon zest to brighten the whole dish.
Storing and Reheating
Cool leftovers to room temperature then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to keep moisture.
Microwave works for a quick fix but expect slightly softer crust.
Leftover ideas
Turn leftovers into a crunchy salad topper, a quick sandwich, or fold slices into a warm pasta bowl.
I also love shredding leftover chicken into casseroles like this baked potato, chicken and broccoli casserole for zero-waste dinners.
Feeling lazy? Toss warm slices with pasta and a splash of extra Caesar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Yes, store-bought dressing works great and keeps things easy.
Choose a creamy, full-fat brand for best texture.
You can mix in extra garlic or anchovy paste if you want more depth.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Pounding breasts to even thickness and not overbaking keeps meat juicy.
Cover the dish during most of the bake if your oven runs hot.
Rest the chicken five minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, brush the dressing on and grill over medium heat until the chicken hits 165°F.
Add Parmesan at the end and use a grill-safe pan to avoid flare-ups.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely — most kids love creamy dressing and cheesy topping.
Serve with simple sides like roasted potatoes or steamed veggies to keep everyone happy.
Conclusion
This Baked Caesar Chicken gives you a fast, comforting meal with bold flavor and minimal effort.
Try it tonight, leave a comment with your tweaks, and rate the recipe if it makes your week easier.
For another take that melts in your mouth, try the Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe – The Cookie Rookie®.
I built this recipe on weeknights when I needed something that felt like a treat but required no babysitting.
You can tweak spices, add herbs, or go crazy with toppings; I won’t judge.
Did I mention it reheats beautifully and saves you from ordering takeout?
If you try it, tell me how you topped it or what side you served.
