Baked Caesar Chicken – A Savory, Flavorful, and Easy Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Caesar Chicken is the perfect fusion of two classic favorites: Caesar salad and tender, flavorful baked chicken. The creamy Caesar dressing creates a rich, savory coating for the chicken, while the baking process locks in moisture, leaving the meat juicy and perfectly seasoned. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and is a great choice for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a simple weeknight meal. I tried it with homemade Caesar dressing, and it added an extra layer of freshness and flavor to the dish, though store-bought works just as well for convenience. The result is a deliciously creamy, slightly tangy chicken that pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad. Whether you’re craving something rich and satisfying or looking to impress your guests, Baked Caesar Chicken is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients

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

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are the star of this dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook quickly and absorb the Caesar dressing flavor beautifully. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful option, though the cooking time may vary slightly.

Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing is the key ingredient in this recipe. The creamy, tangy, and slightly garlicky dressing forms a flavorful coating for the chicken, infusing it with all the classic Caesar salad flavors. You can use store-bought Caesar dressing or make your own for an extra homemade touch.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty flavor to the chicken and enhances the Caesar profile. It melts beautifully, creating a slight crust on the chicken and adding depth to each bite.

Garlic Powder

Garlic powder is used to give the chicken a mild garlic flavor that complements the Caesar dressing without overwhelming it. It’s a simple way to elevate the overall taste.

Breadcrumbs

Breadcrumbs are used to create a light, crispy coating on top of the chicken. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko for extra crunch. The breadcrumbs mix with the Parmesan cheese to form a golden, crispy crust.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is brushed onto the chicken before baking. It helps the breadcrumbs crisp up and ensures the chicken doesn’t dry out during cooking.

Lemon Juice (optional)

A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and a fresh tang to the dish, cutting through the richness of the Caesar dressing. It’s optional, but it adds a lovely citrusy balance.

Directions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning helps enhance the chicken’s natural flavor before adding the Caesar dressing.
3. Coat with Caesar Dressing:
   Generously coat each chicken breast with Caesar dressing, ensuring they’re fully covered. You can use a brush or spoon to spread the dressing evenly. The creamy dressing will form a base for the Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
4. Add Parmesan and Breadcrumbs:
   Sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top, pressing them gently into the chicken so they stick. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the breadcrumbs to help them crisp up during baking.
5. Bake the Chicken:
   Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle with a little lemon juice for a fresh touch and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, cooking time is 25-30 minutes, and total time is approximately 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave the chicken, but reheating in the oven will help maintain the crispness of the breadcrumbs.

Variations and Customizations

Add Veggies
You can easily turn this into a one-pan meal by adding vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini to the baking sheet. Toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast alongside the chicken for a complete, flavorful dinner.

Use Chicken Thighs
If you prefer chicken thighs, you can swap them in for the breasts. Bone-in, skin-on thighs will add even more flavor, but they’ll require a slightly longer cooking time (around 35-40 minutes depending on thickness).

Make it Spicy
For those who enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs or drizzle the chicken with some hot sauce before serving. The spice pairs wonderfully with the creamy Caesar dressing.

Low-Carb Option
If you’re following a low-carb diet, replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly option. You’ll still get that crispy texture, but without the carbs.

Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with ground almonds or crushed rice cakes for a similar crunch.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Approximate values per serving:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	10 g
Fat	17 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	680 mg

Expert Tips & Customizations

Even Coating
For an even coating of Caesar dressing and breadcrumbs, try using a brush to spread the dressing evenly. This ensures that every bite is just as flavorful as the last.

Watch the Cooking Time
Since ovens can vary, check the chicken for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Crisp the Topping
If you prefer a crunchier topping, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They might take a bit longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken by coating it with the Caesar dressing and refrigerating it for a few hours before baking. This allows the flavors to marinate.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftover baked Caesar chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until fully heated.

Can I use homemade Caesar dressing?

Absolutely! Homemade Caesar dressing will give this dish an extra layer of freshness and flavor. Just make sure the dressing is thick enough to coat the chicken properly.

What should I serve with this chicken?

This chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a light salad, or even pasta.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking, or drizzle the chicken with hot sauce before serving.

Can I use low-fat Caesar dressing?

Yes, you can use low-fat Caesar dressing for a lighter version of this dish, though the flavor might be slightly less rich.

Conclusion

Lemon Paprika Roast Chicken Thighs are a quick and flavorful dinner option that combines zesty lemon with smoky paprika for a perfectly seasoned chicken. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. The crispy skin and tender, juicy meat make it a meal everyone will love, and the simplicity of the ingredients ensures that it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

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