Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Baked Caesar Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, crispy croutons, and melted Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple meal to impress guests.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thin
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 6 tbsp creamy Caesar dressing
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Caesar-style croutons, crushed into crumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly oil a casserole dish. If the chicken breasts are not thin, pound them to an even thickness and arrange them in the dish.
2. Step 2: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over the chicken, covering every part.
4. Step 4: Generously sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the dressed chicken.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the crushed croutons with melted butter.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the buttered crouton crumbs evenly over the Parmesan layer.
7. Step 7: Bake in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If the cheese and croutons begin to brown too much, cover the dish loosely with foil.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a plant-based version, substitute chicken with thinly sliced tofu and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
• Try ranch or Italian dressing instead of Caesar for a different flavor profile.
• Use mozzarella cheese for a milder taste, or choose gluten-free croutons if needed.
• Replace melted butter with olive oil or avocado oil to suit dietary preferences.
• Swap parsley garnish for fresh basil or cilantro according to your taste.

Storage

Store leftover Baked Caesar Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain the crispy topping, or microwave on medium power if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, thinly sliced chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

Is it okay to use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. Store-bought creamy Caesar dressing works well and is a convenient way to keep this recipe quick and easy.

Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 86 reviews

This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe offers a deliciously creamy and cheesy stovetop-baked chicken dish inspired by classic Caesar salad flavors. Featuring tender thin chicken breasts coated with creamy Caesar dressing, topped with Parmesan cheese and crunchy crouton crumbs, it’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless thin chicken breasts (or thinly sliced chicken thighs/tofu for plant-based)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping and Coating

• 6 tbsp creamy Caesar dressing (can substitute ranch or Italian dressing)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (or mozzarella for milder flavor)
• 1 cup Caesar-style croutons, crushed into crumbs (can use gluten-free or keto-friendly croutons if needed)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (or substitute olive oil or avocado oil)

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (or substitute fresh basil or cilantro, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Spray a casserole dish with oil and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your chicken breasts are not thin, pound them to an even thickness and place them in the dish.
2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
3. Coat with dressing: Spread creamy Caesar dressing over each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
4. Add cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken, creating a rich cheesy topping.
5. Prepare crouton topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed croutons with melted butter to combine and create a buttery crunchy topping.
6. Top the chicken: Sprinkle the buttery crouton mixture evenly over the cheese-covered chicken breasts.
7. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the topping is golden. If the cheese and croutons brown too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving to add a fresh, herbal note.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs or tofu as alternatives for variation in flavor or to make it plant-based.
• For a milder cheese flavor, mozzarella cheese can replace Parmesan.
• Gluten-free or keto-friendly croutons can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Cover the dish with foil during baking if the topping browns too quickly to avoid burning.
• Fresh herbs such as basil or cilantro can be used as garnish if parsley is not available.

Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, creamy Caesar chicken, easy chicken recipe, Parmesan chicken, casserole, dinner recipe, cheesy chicken, crouton topping