If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both simple to prepare and packed with irresistible flavors, look no further than this Baked Caesar Chicken. Imagine the richness of Caesar dressing combined with creamy sour cream and the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese, all-enveloping tender chicken breasts. It’s the ultimate comfort food, with a cheesy twist that will make you want to dive right in!
This dish is perfect for any night of the week or for impressing guests at a special gathering. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to be a hit.
So, let’s get into how to make this creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken
Baked Caesar Chicken isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s destined to become a family favorite. Here’s why:
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Creamy and Cheesy Perfection: The combination of Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella creates a velvety sauce that coats the chicken in all its creamy glory.
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Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can pop the chicken into the oven, and in about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s both impressive and delicious.
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Minimal Ingredients: This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it an easy choice for last-minute meals.
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Customizable: You can add or remove ingredients to suit your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, add extra cheese, herbs, or a hint of heat. It’s a versatile recipe that can fit any occasion.
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Perfect for Meal Prep: Baked Caesar Chicken holds up well in the fridge, so it’s ideal for preparing in advance for a week of easy lunches or dinners.
Ingredients for Baked Caesar Chicken
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that make up this creamy, cheesy dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish. Chicken breasts are the best choice for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender when baked with the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Caesar dressing: This dressing serves as the base of the creamy sauce. Its tangy and savory flavor is what gives the dish that delicious Caesar flavor.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds a smooth, tangy creaminess that complements the Caesar dressing perfectly.
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan provides that signature sharp, salty flavor that balances out the creamy components of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A staple in many dishes, garlic powder enhances the savory depth of the sauce and infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, earthy heat to the sauce, making it the perfect seasoning for this dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A little bit of salt is needed to bring all the flavors together and enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: This herb blend complements the Caesar dressing and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Mozzarella adds a cheesy, gooey finish that elevates the dish to new levels of comfort food.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): This fresh herb adds a burst of color and a pop of freshness that balances out the richness of the sauce.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken: Step-by-Step
Follow these easy steps to make this indulgent Baked Caesar Chicken that’s bursting with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly while allowing the sauce to bake to perfection. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and savory, with a perfect balance of flavors. This sauce is what will coat the chicken and create that delicious, cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the Caesar sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated. The creamy sauce will sink into the chicken, infusing it with flavor and keeping it moist while it bakes. You can use a spoon or a spatula to spread the sauce, making sure each piece is generously covered.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts, cooking times may vary slightly, so make sure to check the temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. If you’re unsure, a quick poke with a meat thermometer should do the trick.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella Cheese (Optional)
If you want to take your Baked Caesar Chicken to the next level, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast during the last 5 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a golden, gooey finish. Once the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, your dish will be ready to come out of the oven.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve your creamy, cheesy chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Baked Caesar Chicken
To ensure your Baked Caesar Chicken is a hit, here are some helpful tips:
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Don’t Overcook the Chicken: The key to juicy chicken breasts is not overcooking them. Always check the internal temperature, and remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it hits 165°F (74°C).
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Add Extra Cheese: For those who love cheese, you can use a mix of cheeses like cheddar or provolone in addition to mozzarella. This will make the dish even cheesier and richer.
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Make It a Meal: Serve the chicken with sides like roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a simple Caesar salad for a well-rounded meal.
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Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If you want to speed up cooking time, use thinner chicken breasts or slice your chicken into thinner cutlets before baking.
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Make It Spicy: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the dish.
Nutritional Information for Baked Caesar Chicken
This creamy and cheesy dish is a comfort food dream, but it’s also balanced enough to enjoy on a regular basis. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of Baked Caesar Chicken (approximately 4 servings per recipe):
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 50g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
It’s a high-protein dish with a moderate amount of fat, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, this is a great option as it’s low in carbs but high in protein and fat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs tend to take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Caesar dressing and sour cream. Just make sure to check the labels to avoid any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and sauce the night before. Simply cover the dish and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as usual.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Caesar Lovers!
If you loved this Baked Caesar Chicken, you’re in for a treat! It’s a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that will leave you craving more. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. The simple ingredients and easy steps make it an ideal meal for busy nights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Air Fryer Ranch Crusted Chicken Bites
- Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Creamy Bacon and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
How to Make Creamy Baked Caesar Chicken in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner. With a rich Caesar dressing sauce, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning, it’s a savory, comfort-filled meal the whole family will love. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this dish can be served on its own or paired with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the Caesar dressing, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the creamy Caesar sauce over each piece, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Mozzarella Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the mozzarella cheese with other types of cheese like cheddar or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating.
- If you don’t have Caesar dressing, try using ranch dressing for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Creamy Chicken, Cheesy Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Caesar Dressing Chicken Bake, Oven Baked Chicken, Quick Dinner Recipe, Cheesy Chicken Dinner