Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe – Simple, Flavorful, and Perfect for Busy Nights

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When your day has been nonstop and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen, having a go-to recipe that’s both effortless and delicious is a game changer. This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken fits that bill perfectly — it’s packed with flavor, tender and juicy, yet quick to prepare. Whether you’re new to cooking or simply want a reliable dinner fix, this recipe will soon become one of your favorites.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe

You want a meal that tastes like you put in hours but without the stress or fuss. This dish does just that. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your weekly rotation:

• Minimal prep time: You only need about 10 minutes to get everything ready.
• Ingredients you already have: Parmesan, Caesar dressing, chicken—simple pantry staples that come together beautifully.
• Juicy chicken every time: Baking with a cheesy, creamy topping locks in moisture.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a quick meal for yourself, this recipe satisfies everyone.
• Versatile: Easy to tweak with your favorite Caesar dressing or add-ins.

If you’ve struggled with dry baked chicken or complicated marinades, this method offers a foolproof fix. The creamy, tangy Caesar dressing blends with Parmesan’s nuttiness to create a crispy crust that keeps the chicken tender inside.

Ingredients for Easy Baked Caesar Chicken

Before you get cooking, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Boneless chicken breasts	4	Even thickness recommended
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese	1½ cups (divided)	Use good quality Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper	½ teaspoon	Adjust to your taste
Caesar salad dressing	1 cup	Store-bought or homemade works
Sour cream (optional)	½ cup	Adds creaminess, can skip

Tip: If you don’t have sour cream, you can leave it out or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken: Step-by-Step

Getting dinner on the table doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps for a mouthwatering chicken dinner:

1. Prepare Your Chicken

Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are of even thickness—this helps them cook evenly. If needed, use a meat mallet to gently pound each breast to about ¾ to 1 inch thick.

Next, sprinkle 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts. Add the black pepper over the cheese, pressing lightly to help it stick.

Place your coated chicken in a baking dish sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Caesar Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together your Caesar salad dressing and sour cream until smooth. This blend adds creaminess and tang that makes the chicken irresistible.

3. Pour and Sprinkle

Pour the Caesar and sour cream mixture evenly over each chicken breast in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce layer.

4. Bake and Broil

Place the dish in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the chicken reads 150°F (65°C).

Once baked, switch your oven to broil. Broil the chicken breasts for 2-4 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye—broiling can quickly go from perfect to burnt.

The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, juicy bites.

5. Optional Garnish

If you want to add a splash of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. It adds a nice herbal contrast to the rich flavors.

Tips for Perfect Baked Caesar Chicken Every Time

To ensure your chicken turns out fantastic every time you make it, keep these tips in mind:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese can have additives that affect melting and flavor.
• Even chicken thickness: This helps your chicken cook through evenly without drying out.
• Don’t skip resting: Resting is crucial for juicy chicken. It locks in moisture by allowing fibers to relax.
• Watch the broil: The broiler can burn food quickly, so stay close while browning the chicken top.
• Use a meat thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Easy Baked Caesar Chicken

You’re halfway there with this delicious chicken, but what about sides? Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

• Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Toss broccoli, carrots, or green beans with olive oil and garlic, then roast alongside your chicken.
• Crisp Caesar Salad: Double down on the Caesar flavor with a fresh salad loaded with Romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice Pilaf: Creamy or fluffy carbs balance the richness of the chicken.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Side Dish	Preparation Time	Flavor Profile
Garlic Roasted Veggies	20-25 minutes	Savory, aromatic
Caesar Salad	10 minutes	Fresh, crisp, tangy
Mashed Potatoes	20-25 minutes	Creamy, comforting
Crusty Bread	Ready to serve	Crunchy, buttery

Nutrition Information for Easy Baked Caesar Chicken

Eating well doesn’t mean giving up flavor. Here’s what you get per serving (makes 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	42 g
Fat	18 g
Carbohydrates	3 g
Fiber	0 g
Sodium	Moderate

This recipe fits well into a balanced diet and offers a high-protein, low-carb option. If you want to lighten it up, opt for a low-fat Caesar dressing or swap sour cream for Greek yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easy Baked Caesar Chicken

What makes this recipe “easy baked Caesar chicken”?

Because it requires minimal ingredients and steps—no marinating, no frying. You bake everything in one dish, making clean-up a breeze.

Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

Yes! Sour cream adds richness, but you can leave it out or substitute with Greek yogurt. The chicken will still be creamy and flavorful.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture. Adding a splash of water before reheating can prevent dryness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, but keep in mind thighs may need longer baking time and have more fat, which changes texture and flavor slightly. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check with a thermometer.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?

Absolutely! With low carbohydrates and high protein, this dish fits well into keto and low-carb diets.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Tonight

When hunger strikes and time is tight, having a reliable, flavorful recipe at your fingertips is a true lifesaver. This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken delivers juicy, tender chicken with a crispy Parmesan topping in less than an hour. You can easily whip it up even after a busy day, impressing yourself and anyone you share it with.

Don’t wait for a special occasion—make tonight the night you bring this simple but satisfying recipe to your table. Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and share your success! Bookmark this recipe, pass it on to friends, or drop a comment below telling me how yours turned out.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with a dish that proves simple can be absolutely delicious!

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