Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce – A Flavorful and Easy Dinner Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and utterly delicious chicken dish, this Baked Caesar Chicken is a must-try! Juicy boneless chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, garlicky Caesar dressing sauce, topped with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese, and baked to perfection.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even special occasions when you want something easy yet restaurant-quality. The creamy Parmesan sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavor while keeping it moist and tender. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and only a few simple steps to prepare!
If you love creamy chicken dishes, keto-friendly meals, or low-carb dinners, this Baked Caesar Chicken will quickly become one of your favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly easy to make – Just mix the sauce, pour it over the chicken, and bake!
- Rich and creamy flavor – Thanks to Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and sour cream.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stays moist and reheats beautifully.
- Low-carb & keto-friendly – A great option for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
- Customizable – Add extra cheese, crispy toppings, or veggies for more variety.
Ingredients for Baked Caesar Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Choose the Best Ingredients
To make this Caesar chicken as flavorful as possible, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts – Use fresh, thick-cut boneless chicken breasts for the juiciest results. You can also substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Caesar Dressing – A creamy, high-quality Caesar dressing will make a big difference in taste. Homemade dressing or brands with natural ingredients are best.
- Parmesan Cheese – Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded versions as they don’t melt as smoothly.
- Sour Cream – Adds extra creaminess and prevents the sauce from becoming too thin.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish. This helps the sauce stick better to the chicken.
Step 3: Make the Caesar Sauce
In a medium bowl, mix together the Caesar dressing, sour cream, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Spread the Caesar Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken. This step is optional but adds a deliciously gooey layer.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you want a golden-brown crust, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
What to Serve with Baked Caesar Chicken
This creamy, cheesy chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides:
- Garlic Butter Roasted Vegetables – Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers balance out the richness.
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash make a comforting side.
- Steamed Rice – A simple white or brown rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Pasta – Serve over buttered noodles or fettuccine for a restaurant-style meal.
- Caesar Salad – A light, crisp salad keeps the meal fresh and balanced.
Tips for the Best Baked Caesar Chicken
- Use thick-cut chicken breasts – If your chicken pieces are too thin, they may dry out quickly.
- Don’t overbake – Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken.
- Marinate for extra flavor – Let the chicken sit in the sauce for 30 minutes to 1 hour before baking for deeper flavor.
- Make it crispy – Add panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
Variations and Add-Ons
Want to customize this dish? Try these variations:
- Spicy Caesar Chicken – Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Mushroom Caesar Chicken – Mix in sautéed mushrooms before baking for an earthy twist.
- Bacon Caesar Chicken – Top with crispy bacon crumbles for an extra indulgent bite.
- Keto-Friendly Version – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating
- Oven Method: Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Freezing
- Freeze unbaked – Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Freeze baked chicken – Store in freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and tend to be juicier.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as directed.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low-carb and perfect for a keto diet when served with a low-carb side.
What type of Caesar dressing should I use?
Use a creamy Caesar dressing with high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Homemade dressing is always a great option!
Final Thoughts
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is an easy, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With juicy chicken, rich Caesar dressing, and gooey cheese, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste without the hassle.
Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this creamy chicken will become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and irresistibly delicious!