Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Ultimate Caesar Chicken. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a gloriously creamy Caesar sauce, bubbling under a blanket of melted cheese and finished with a fresh burst of parsley. This is the kind of comforting dinner that brings big flavors to the table without any fussy steps – and trust me, it’s bound to become a runaway favorite for anyone craving a creamy, cheesy burst of comfort food. Each bite delivers all the tangy, garlicky Caesar salad goodness you love, made hearty and satisfying as a baked main dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Ultimate Caesar Chicken is in its simplicity: everything you need is easy to find, yet each ingredient is essential to the dish’s craveable flavor and irresistibly creamy texture. Whether you’re pulling from your pantry or planning a quick trip to the store, these basics come together to create something you’ll be proud to serve.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless and thick – perfect for soaking up all the creamy Caesar flavors and staying juicy.
- Caesar Dressing: The star of the show; opt for a rich, creamy variety to create that signature tangy sauce.
- Sour Cream: Adds just the right amount of tang and keeps the sauce sumptuous and silky.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated and divided; lends salty, nutty depth and melts beautifully over everything.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the savoriness and dials up the garlic flavor we love in Caesar dishes.
- Black Pepper: A gentle kick of heat that balances the creaminess without overpowering the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for that ooey-gooey, cheesy topper that turns every bite dreamy.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds bright, herby color and a fresh pop to finish off the dish.
How to Make Ultimate Caesar Chicken
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s nice and hot so the chicken bakes up tender with that golden cheesy top. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish – this prevents sticking and makes for super easy clean-up!
Step 2: Mix the Caesar Sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together the creamy Caesar dressing, sour cream, half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until everything blends into a smooth, dreamy sauce. This mixture brings all those iconic Caesar flavors together and is absolutely packed with flavor.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer inside your prepared baking dish. This helps them cook evenly and gives each piece plenty of room to soak up that luscious sauce.
Step 4: Smother with Sauce
Pour the Caesar mixture right over the chicken, then use a spatula to spread it evenly so every bite gets a generous coating. This ensures maximum flavor in every forkful of Ultimate Caesar Chicken!
Step 5: Top with Cheeses
Now for the magic: sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese all over the saucy chicken. The blend of cheeses gives the dish an irresistibly gooey, golden finish after baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and the cheesy layer is bubbling and beautifully golden.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This little pause lets the sauce thicken up and the juices stay locked in. Finally, sprinkle with a flurry of fresh parsley just before serving to bring color and freshness to your Ultimate Caesar Chicken masterpiece.
How to Serve Ultimate Caesar Chicken
Garnishes
A handful of chopped fresh parsley is a classic for a reason – it adds bright, herby contrast to the rich, creamy flavors. If you really want to wow your guests, consider a dusting of extra Parmesan or even a scattering of buttery, toasted panko breadcrumbs for a bit of crunch.
Side Dishes
This is a dish that practically begs for a cozy companion like buttered pasta, garlicky rice, or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that glorious sauce. Light, crisp green veggies such as roasted asparagus or a simple Caesar salad help balance the meal and echo those classic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, try slicing your Ultimate Caesar Chicken and serving it over a bed of buttery noodles or on top of toasted garlic bread for a crowd-pleasing open-faced sandwich. It’s also fantastic sliced atop a leafy salad for a hearty lunch that tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a dream with this recipe! Simply cover any remaining Ultimate Caesar Chicken in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it keeps its flavor and texture perfectly for up to 3 to 4 days. The creamy sauce even gets richer as it sits.
Freezing
Want to save some for a rainy day? This dish freezes surprisingly well. Let the chicken cool fully, then wrap individual portions tightly or store them in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months – perfect for a quick, comforting dinner in a pinch.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Ultimate Caesar Chicken in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through, which keeps the chicken moist and the cheese melty. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too – just add a splash of broth or water and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap and bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook a bit faster or slower depending on their size.
Is store-bought Caesar dressing fine, or should I make my own?
A good-quality store-bought creamy Caesar dressing is perfect for Ultimate Caesar Chicken, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, homemade dressing is always a treat and lets you customize the flavors even more.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Most ingredients in Ultimate Caesar Chicken are naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Caesar dressing label and cheese packaging to make sure. Serve alongside gluten-free pasta or veggies to keep your meal worry-free.
What’s the best way to know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use an instant-read thermometer and check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. The juices should run clear, and the cheesy top will be bubbly and golden brown.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Definitely! Toss some quick-cooking veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach alongside the chicken before baking. They’ll soak up extra sauce and add a colorful, nutritious touch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, look no further than Ultimate Caesar Chicken. It’s the kind of dish that turns a handful of humble ingredients into a show-stopping main course, all with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if your family is asking for it on repeat!
Print
Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy baked Caesar chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious Caesar dressing mixture, topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Caesar Mixture:
- 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Caesar Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine Caesar dressing, sour cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Coat the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread the Caesar mixture evenly over them.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
- For added crunch, top with buttery panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
