Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a deliciously simple dinner that’s guaranteed to please, let me introduce you to the Ultimate Caesar Chicken. This dish takes everything we all love about a classic Caesar salad—tangy dressing, savory Parmesan, luscious creaminess—and transforms it into a cozy, oven-baked chicken that’s weeknight-easy but dinner-party worthy. With tender, juicy chicken bathed in creamy Caesar goodness and topped with bubbling mozzarella, the Ultimate Caesar Chicken will quickly become a go-to favorite for busy nights or when you want to impress without the stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient is purposeful, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. Gather these readily available staples for a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas here; they soak up all the creamy Caesar flavor and stay incredibly juicy.
- Caesar Salad Dressing (creamy style): This is the flavor powerhouse—choose your favorite brand, but the creamier, the better for that luscious sauce.
- Sour Cream: Blends beautifully with the dressing to add a tangy, velvety texture that clings to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For that unmistakable salty, nutty depth—opt for freshly grated if possible for best results.
- Garlic Powder: Offers subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering the sauce.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and lifts all the creamy flavors.
- Salt: Just a bit elevates everything—remember, the cheese and dressing are salty, so don’t overdo it.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey blanket that absolutely makes the dish.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top for a hint of freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make Ultimate Caesar Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—this is the sweet spot for perfectly juicy chicken and gorgeously golden cheese. Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light coat of nonstick spray or oil; it prevents sticking and helps with cleanup later, so you can focus on enjoying your meal instead of scrubbing pans.
Step 2: Mix Up the Caesar Cream Sauce
In a bowl, combine the creamy Caesar dressing, sour cream, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and just a pinch of salt. Stir until everything’s fully blended. This mixture is the soul of Ultimate Caesar Chicken, marrying richness with a punch of umami, ensuring every chicken breast is bathed in flavor.
Step 3: Arrange and Smother the Chicken
Lay your chicken breasts snugly in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the Caesar mixture generously over each piece, using the back of your spoon to spread it edge-to-edge. Don’t worry if some sauce drips to the side—it’ll all bubble up beautifully.
Step 4: Sprinkle with Mozzarella
Next, shower the tops with shredded mozzarella, giving each chicken breast a satisfying layer. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a bubbling, buttery topping that’s seriously hard to resist.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. You’re looking for meat that’s fully cooked (juices run clear, or a thermometer reads 165°F) and cheese that’s golden and bubbly on top. Let the Ultimate Caesar Chicken rest for five minutes before serving—this helps the juices settle and the sauce thicken just slightly.
How to Serve Ultimate Caesar Chicken
Garnishes
For a vibrant finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley right over the chicken just before serving. The herb’s pop of color and mild flavor brighten the rich, creamy dish beautifully—sometimes I even add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing!
Side Dishes
Ultimate Caesar Chicken pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables (think asparagus or broccoli), buttery mashed potatoes, or even fluffy rice to soak up that decadent sauce. When you crave something fresher, a crisp green salad or garlicky steamed green beans are also excellent, balancing the dish’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice leftover Ultimate Caesar Chicken and layer it over toasted ciabatta with arugula for a hearty sandwich, or serve the chicken sliced atop pasta for a seriously comforting meal. I’ve even diced it up as a high-protein topping for Caesar salad—talk about the ultimate Caesar experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Ultimate Caesar Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something special. Just be sure the chicken cools to room temperature before sealing it up for the best texture.
Freezing
Ultimate Caesar Chicken also freezes well for future dinners. Place completely cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It keeps its creamy character for up to two months—just note that the cheese may become a bit more crumbly upon reheating, but it’s still delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Ultimate Caesar Chicken in a covered baking dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine too—just use short bursts and check often to avoid overcooking. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens up too much.
FAQs
Can I make Ultimate Caesar Chicken with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy—just be aware that cooking time may be a few minutes longer, so check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just double-check your Caesar dressing for hidden gluten (some brands use wheat-based thickeners). Otherwise, the main ingredients in Ultimate Caesar Chicken are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best Caesar dressing for this recipe?
I recommend a thick, creamy Caesar dressing for maximum richness—store-bought or homemade both work well. Flavors will vary by brand, so choose one you already love on salads.
Can I prep Ultimate Caesar Chicken ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for several hours or even overnight. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if starting from cold.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Otherwise, cut into the thickest part and look for clear juices with no pinkness.
Final Thoughts
Give Ultimate Caesar Chicken a try the next time you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal prep. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this cheesy, creamy dish hits all the right notes of comfort food and classic flavor. I can’t wait for you to experience just how easy and satisfying Ultimate Caesar Chicken can be—let me know how you make it your own!
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Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Ultimate Caesar Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy Caesar dressing, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, and baked to perfection. A satisfying and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Caesar Dressing Mixture:
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing (creamy style)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Caesar mixture: In a small bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish and spread the Caesar mixture evenly over each piece.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
