Baked Chicken Caesar
This easy baked chicken takes everything you love about a Caesar salad and turns it into a comforting, oven-baked dinner. Crunchy, cheesy, buttery goodness with minimal prep.
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Baked Chicken Caesar
If you love a classic Caesar salad but want something a little heartier for dinner, this Baked Chicken Caesar is about to become a regular in your rotation. It takes all the flavors you already love like creamy Caesar dressing, salty parmesan, buttery crunch, cracked black pepper and turns them into a warm, oven-baked meal that feels comforting and satisfying. It’s simple, cozy, and packed with flavor, but requires very little prep work.The magic of this dish is in the topping. Crushed garlic croutons mixed with parmesan and melted butter bake into a golden, crispy crust that sits on top of tender, juicy chicken. As the chicken cooks, the Caesar dressing underneath keeps it moist and flavorful. The result is a dinner that tastes like it took much more effort than it actually did.This is the kind of recipe that works beautifully on a busy weeknight when you need something dependable, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. It smells incredible while baking, savory, buttery, and just slightly garlicky, and when you pull it out of the oven with that golden crust, it’s hard not to dig in immediately.
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 15 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
- caesar dressing
- 4-5 thinly sliced chicken breasts
- 1 5-oz bag garlic croutons, crushed
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (fresh parsley works great too!)
- black pepper to taste
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
Shop Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Pour Caesar dressing into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, just enough to lightly coat the bottom. This layer keeps the chicken moist and prevents sticking.
- Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the dish. Move them around slightly so the bottoms are coated in the dressing.
- Drizzle additional Caesar dressing over the top of each chicken breast. You want enough to add flavor, but not so much that it pools.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed garlic croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, parsley, and black pepper. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Sprinkle the crouton mixture evenly over the chicken, pressing lightly so it adheres.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is golden and crisp.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and keeps the chicken tender.
Notes
Why This Recipe Works
Using thinly sliced chicken breasts ensures quick, even cooking. The Caesar dressing acts almost like a marinade while it bakes, infusing the chicken with flavor and helping it stay juicy. The crushed croutons replace traditional breadcrumbs, adding extra garlic flavor and crunch. The melted butter is key. It helps the topping brown beautifully and creates that rich, golden crust. Parmesan adds saltiness and depth, while parsley and black pepper brighten everything up. It’s a simple combination of pantry-friendly ingredients that come together into something special.Serving Ideas
This Baked Chicken Caesar is incredibly versatile, which makes it even more appealing. Serve Over Romaine LettuceFor a true Caesar-inspired plate, slice the baked chicken and serve it over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. Add shaved parmesan and a light drizzle of extra dressing. The warm chicken slightly wilts the lettuce in the best way. Serve Over Mashed Potatoes
If you’re leaning into comfort food, spoon the chicken and buttery topping over creamy mashed potatoes. The dressing and juices mix with the potatoes and create an almost gravy-like effect. With Roasted Vegetables
Pair it with roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus to balance the richness. On a Caesar Sandwich
Slice the chicken and layer it onto a toasted hoagie roll with romaine and extra parmesan for a delicious sandwich option. With Pasta
Serve alongside buttered noodles or simple spaghetti tossed with olive oil and garlic. Meal Prep Option
Slice and portion into containers with rice or vegetables for easy lunches during the week.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the butter. It’s what gives the topping that perfect golden crunch.
- Crush the croutons finely but leave a few small chunks for texture.
- Watch closely during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
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