Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy to Make – Just mix, spread, and bake! No complicated steps.
- Rich and Creamy – The Caesar dressing creates a luscious, flavorful coating that keeps the chicken moist.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
- Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, creamy chicken.
- Pairs with Anything – Serve it with rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, depending on the saltiness of your Caesar dressing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
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Prepare the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. If they are thick, pound them slightly to ensure even cooking.
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Make the Caesar Coating
- In a bowl, mix together Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Coat the Chicken
- Spread the Caesar mixture evenly over each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
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Bake the Chicken
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Add Cheese (Optional)
- If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. Broil for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, bubbly top.
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Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and extra freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Caesar mixture.
- Crunchy Topping – Mix in panko breadcrumbs with the cheese for a crispy finish.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice or with steamed greens.
- Dairy-Free Alternative – Use a dairy-free Caesar dressing and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Extra Herbs – Try adding Italian seasoning or fresh thyme for added depth.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and will be even juicier.
What type of Caesar dressing should I use?
A creamy, high-quality Caesar dressing works best. You can also use a homemade version if preferred.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Bake just until 165°F (75°C) internal temperature is reached, and use foil to cover if needed to trap moisture.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Just make sure to use a low-carb Caesar dressing with no added sugar.
What sides go best with Caesar Chicken?
Great options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a side salad, or buttered pasta.
Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance, then bake when ready.
Do I have to use mozzarella cheese?
No, it’s optional. If you want it cheesier, use it, but the Parmesan alone is enough for a flavorful dish.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken in the dressing?
Yes! Letting the chicken sit in the Caesar dressing for 30 minutes to a few hours will enhance the flavor even more.
Can I make this with shredded rotisserie chicken?
Yes, but reduce baking time to 15 minutes just to heat everything through.
Conclusion
This Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, creamy, and flavorful chicken dishes. It’s simple to prepare, full of bold flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
