Description
This Ultimate Caesar Chicken recipe is a deliciously simple way to enjoy a classic Caesar salad flavor with tender, juicy chicken breasts. Coated in creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese, then baked to perfection with a crispy crouton topping, it’s an easy and impressive dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Caesar Dressing Mixture
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1 cup croutons, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Additional Caesar Dressing Ingredients (suggested for homemade dressing)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Coat the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the Caesar dressing over the chicken, ensuring each breast is well coated. Then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through. The Parmesan cheese should be golden and slightly crispy.
- Prepare the Topping: While the chicken bakes, crush the croutons into smaller pieces using a rolling pin or food processor. Grate the fresh Parmesan cheese and chop the parsley for garnish.
- Finish with Topping: After the initial baking, remove the chicken from the oven and evenly sprinkle the crushed croutons on top of each chicken breast. Add the fresh Parmesan cheese over the croutons for extra flavor.
- Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the croutons turn golden and crunchy, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use store-bought Caesar dressing or make your own with the additional dressing ingredients listed.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- If you prefer a stronger anchovy flavor, add more anchovy paste to your homemade Caesar dressing.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely.
- The crushed croutons add a nice crunch, but you can substitute with toasted breadcrumbs if preferred.
