Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe

Quick & Zesty Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe You’ll Love

Caesar dressing infuses this ultimate caesar chicken recipe with incredible flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

The classic combination of tangy, creamy sauce and juicy chicken creates a mouthwatering meal.

Crisp romaine lettuce and golden croutons add delightful texture to every bite.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled generously brings a salty punch that complements the chicken perfectly.

This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Fresh ingredients elevate the simple recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll love how each forkful delivers a burst of robust, savory goodness that satisfies every craving.

Expert Tips for Caesar Chicken

  • Add extra minced garlic or a dash of anchovy paste to the Caesar mixture for a more robust taste profile.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil during initial cooking to prevent chicken from drying out and maintain juiciness.
  • Replace mozzarella with provolone or a blend of cheeses for different flavor dimensions and texture variations.
  • Skip breadcrumbs and use grated Parmesan as a crispy topping to keep the dish keto-friendly and gluten-free.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature for safe consumption.

Variations to Try with Ultimate Caesar Chicken

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace Caesar dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Use nutritional yeast for cheese flavor and dairy-free mozzarella shreds.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap Caesar dressing for homemade low-carb version using mayonnaise, anchovy paste, and minimal carb ingredients. Use full-fat cheeses and reduce cooking time slightly.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Substitute Caesar dressing with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs like oregano and thyme, and add kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair. Sprinkle with feta cheese instead of mozzarella.

Serving Ultimate Caesar Chicken Perfectly

  • Salad Sidekick: Toss a crisp romaine lettuce salad with extra Caesar dressing, croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan to complement the chicken's rich flavors.
  • Carb Companion: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes or buttery herb rice to soak up the delicious Caesar sauce and create a satisfying meal.
  • Veggie Boost: Roast some asparagus, zucchini, or green beans with a light drizzle of olive oil and salt to add a fresh, healthy element to the plate.
  • Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to balance the creamy Caesar sauce and enhance the chicken's savory profile.

How to Store Ultimate Caesar Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F throughout.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for this Caesar chicken recipe?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh parsley.

  • Can I use pre-made Caesar dressing?

Yes, store-bought Caesar dressing works perfectly. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it gently in the oven without losing its delicious flavor and texture.

Ultimate Caesar Chicken: What Makes It Great

  • Conquer Quick Weeknight Dinners: Minimal prep means you can have a gourmet meal ready in under an hour, perfect for busy families.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: The combination of Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Simple One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
  • Versatile Protein Option: Easily adaptable with different cheese types or by adding extra herbs, making this recipe a flexible go-to for multiple meal variations.

Ingredients for Ultimate Caesar Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein for this delicious recipe.
Seasoning and Sauce:
  • Caesar Dressing: Creamy and tangy sauce that adds rich flavor and helps keep the chicken moist.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
Cheese Topping:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a golden, bubbly top layer for extra indulgence.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Ultimate Caesar Chicken

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Caesar Magic Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whip together these delicious ingredients:
  • Caesar dressing
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Stir until everything blends into a mouthwatering mixture.

Step 3: Dress The Chicken

Transfer your chicken breasts into the greased baking dish.

Pour the Caesar sauce all over, making sure every inch of chicken gets coated in flavor paradise.

Step 4: First Baking Round

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Let the chicken bake for a solid 30 minutes, allowing all those incredible flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

After 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously across the top of the chicken.

This will create a golden, melty blanket of deliciousness.

Step 6: Final Bake And Finish

Return the dish to the oven for another 10-15 minutes.

You’re looking for perfectly cooked chicken with a bubbly, golden cheese top.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Scatter some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-quality meal!

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Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe

Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Craving a flavor explosion? This ultimate caesar chicken recipe blends classic Italian-American zest with juicy, herb-crusted chicken that will make dinner guests swoon. Crisp salad greens and tangy dressing complement perfectly grilled chicken for a meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Dressing:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) Caesar dressing
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and coat a baking dish with a light cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl, creating a rich, tangy marinade.
  3. Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, then generously drench each piece with the prepared Caesar mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  4. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavorful marinade and cook thoroughly.
  5. Remove the dish from the oven and distribute shredded mozzarella evenly across the chicken breasts, creating a melting cheese layer.
  6. Return to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
  7. Finish the dish by sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley over the top, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Use low-fat Caesar dressing and reduced-fat cheeses for a lighter version of this dish, perfect for health-conscious individuals.
  • Marinate chicken breasts in the Caesar mixture for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor penetration and ensure more tender meat.
  • For a gluten-free adaptation, verify that your Caesar dressing is gluten-free and use cornstarch instead of flour if any thickening is needed.
  • Add extra crunch by topping the chicken with crushed whole-grain croutons or panko breadcrumbs during the final baking stage for a textural contrast.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 566 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 49 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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