Name: Creamy Baked Caesar Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Caesar salad dressing (preferably creamy); 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

Jump to Recipe

Tender baked chicken breasts topped with a crispy, creamy Caesar‑flavoured crust — rich, savoury, and oven‑baked to golden perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish transforms simple chicken breasts into something special by combining the tangy, garlicky notes of classic Caesar dressing with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. The result is juicy chicken with a golden, cheesy crust and a luscious creamy base — perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

ingredients

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Caesar dressing (store‑bought or homemade)
plain breadcrumbs or panko
grated Parmesan cheese
garlic, minced
olive oil or melted butter
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

directions

Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Mix until slightly coarse and crumbly.
Spread a thin layer of Caesar dressing over the top of each chicken breast.
Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the dressing‑coated side of the chicken.
Place the prepared chicken breasts in the baking dish, crust‑side up.
Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C) and the topping is golden and crispy.
Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Preparation: 10 minutes
Baking: 20–25 minutes
Total: ~35 minutes

Variations

• Add lemon zest to the crust for bright citrus notes.
• Mix herbs (thyme or oregano) into the breadcrumb mixture for deeper flavour.
• Swap panko for gluten‑free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten‑free.
• Drizzle extra dressing before serving for layers of creaminess.

storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350 °F oven for 10–12 minutes, or microwave briefly, taking care not to overcook the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes — boneless thighs work well, but adjust the baking time slightly as they may cook faster.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

Use gluten‑free breadcrumbs to make it gluten‑free.

Can I make the dressing from scratch?

Absolutely — homemade Caesar dressing enhances flavour and allows you to adjust salt and garlic.

Why is the breadcrumb topping important?

It adds texture and helps seal in moisture while creating a golden crust.

Can I prepare this ahead?

You can assemble the chicken up to the baking step and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.

Should I cover the chicken while baking?

No — baking uncovered keeps the crust crisp.

Can kids help make this?

Yes, they can help mix toppings and garnish.

Why isn’t the crust browning?

Ensure the oven is properly preheated and the crust is lightly moistened with dressing before baking.

What sides pair well?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad echo the flavours.

Can I add cheese on top before baking?

Yes — extra Parmesan or even a bit of mozzarella adds richness.

Conclusion

Creamy baked Caesar chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that elevates ordinary chicken breasts with a crispy, flavourful crust and tangy Caesar notes. It’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.