I’ve been making this creamy Parmesan baked Caesar chicken for years whenever I need a simple, impressive weeknight dinner. It’s tender chicken breasts slathered in a tangy Caesar-Parmesan sauce, baked until just right and finished with a golden crumb if you like crunch. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but takes almost no effort — perfect for busy nights or when friends drop by unexpectedly. If you also like easy, crowd-friendly chicken dishes, you might enjoy this take on a dip-style favorite like buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese which shares the same comfort-food vibe.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe hits a few home-run reasons to put it on repeat. The Caesar dressing gives bright, garlicky flavor without extra chopping. Parmesan melts into a silky coating that keeps the chicken moist. It’s quick — mostly hands-off baking — and flexible: add breadcrumbs for crunch, or skip them for a low-carb meal. Families love it because kids usually approve of the creamy, cheesy topping, and it scales easily for a dinner party.
“Creamy without being heavy, and the breadcrumb topping gives just the right contrast.” — a friend who’s picky about textures
How this recipe comes together
Start by preheating the oven and mixing a simple sauce from Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder. Drizzle a little olive oil on the chicken to help the mixture adhere. Coat each breast with the creamy mix, sprinkle breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy finish, then bake until an instant‑read thermometer reads 165°F (75°C). Rest briefly before serving so the juices redistribute. The whole process is straightforward and forgiving — a perfect weeknight shortcut that still looks restaurant-worthy.
What you’ll need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional — use panko for extra crunch or gluten-free crumbs if needed)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Notes: Use a full‑flavored Caesar dressing for the best result. If you prefer a lighter sauce, swap half the dressing for plain Greek yogurt (see Variations). If breasts are uneven, a quick pound with a meat mallet helps them cook evenly.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together the Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Lightly coat a baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and drizzle the tablespoon of olive oil over them.
- Spoon the creamy Parmesan mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it so each piece is well coated.
- If you want a crispy top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the coated breasts.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an instant‑read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve and enjoy your creamy baked Caesar chicken.
Best ways to enjoy it
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try:
- A crisp green salad or classic Caesar salad to echo the flavors.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, or asparagus).
- Creamy mashed potatoes, lemony rice, or buttered pasta to soak up the sauce.
- Toasted crusty bread or garlic knots for a more casual, hands-on meal.
For a light lunch, slice the chicken and serve over mixed greens with extra Parmesan and lemon. If you prefer a more casual platter for guests, slice and arrange on a board with roasted vegetables and warm focaccia.
Also, if you enjoy saucier party-style chicken recipes, check out this creamy dip-style option for entertaining: buffalo chicken dip with cottage cheese.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Freeze: Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through. For single portions, microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts to avoid drying. If you froze with a breadcrumb topping, refresh under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after reheating to crisp it up.
Always cool leftovers within two hours of cooking and reheat only once for best quality and safety.
Pro chef tips
- Even thickness is everything: Pound breasts to a uniform thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use an instant‑read thermometer: It’s the only reliable way to ensure 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.
- Don’t skimp on resting: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- For extra color: Slide under the broiler 1–2 minutes at the end if you used breadcrumbs, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking; add breadcrumbs right before popping it in the oven.
Recipe variations
- Lighter: Replace half the Caesar dressing with plain Greek yogurt to cut calories while keeping creaminess.
- Herb-forward: Mix chopped fresh basil or tarragon into the topping for a brighter flavor.
- Cheesy swap: Use shredded Asiago or Pecorino mixed with Parmesan for a sharper bite.
- Spicy: Stir 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the dressing for heat.
- Thighs instead of breasts: Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work — extend baking time until they reach 165°F (75°C) and check near the bone for doneness.
- Gluten-free: Use almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy top.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Thaw completely in the refrigerator before assembling and baking. Baking from frozen risks an overcooked exterior and undercooked interior.
Q: Do I have to use store-bought Caesar dressing?
A: No — homemade Caesar is great if you have the time, but a good-quality store-bought version saves time and still tastes excellent.
Q: Are breadcrumbs necessary?
A: No. They add texture and color, but the dish is flavorful and satisfying without them, especially if you’re keeping it lower-carb.
Q: How long does it take from start to finish?
A: About 35–40 minutes total: 5–10 minutes prep and 25–30 minutes baking, depending on breast thickness.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead for a dinner party?
A: Yes. Assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add breadcrumbs and bake when guests arrive.
Q: Is this safe for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Portion and refrigerate within two hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days, reheating to steaming hot before eating.
Conclusion
This creamy Parmesan baked Caesar chicken is an easy, flavorful weeknight winner that scales up for guests and stores well for leftovers. For another take on Caesar‑flavored chicken that’s extra saucy and excellent for sharing, try this Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe – The Cookie Rookie®.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Baked Caesar Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free (optional)
Description
An easy, flavorful weeknight dinner featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a creamy Caesar-Parmesan sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, stir together Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
- Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and drizzle the olive oil over them.
- Spoon the creamy Parmesan mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the coated breasts for a crispy top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use a full-flavored Caesar dressing for the best result. For a lighter sauce, swap half the dressing for plain Greek yogurt. Pound uneven breasts for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian