Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Baked Caesar Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the classic taste of Caesar dressing, parmesan, and crunchy croutons. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless, thin)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 tbsp creamy Caesar dressing
- 1 cup parmesan (shredded)
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons (crushed into crumbs)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a casserole dish.
- Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts if they’re not thin and place them in the casserole dish. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Step 3: Spread creamy Caesar dressing evenly over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle parmesan cheese all over.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine the crushed croutons with melted butter.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the crouton mixture over the cheese layer and bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Cover the dish with foil if the cheese or croutons brown too quickly.
- Step 6: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Caesar dressing for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use a mix of parmesan and mozzarella for a creamier cheese topping.
- Substitute croutons with breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Storage
Store leftover Baked Caesar Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken moist and the topping crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and may add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
What can I serve with Baked Caesar Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to complete a satisfying meal.
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Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe features tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts smothered in creamy Caesar dressing and shredded Parmesan, then topped with buttery crushed Caesar-style croutons for a delightful crunch. Baked to golden perfection, this easy casserole dish is perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless, thin)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Toppings & Dressing
- 6 tbsp creamy Caesar dressing
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons (crushed into crumbs)
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease or prepare a casserole dish suitable for baking.
- Prepare Chicken: If the chicken breasts are not already thin, pound them gently to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. Place the chicken breasts evenly in the casserole dish. Season each piece with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast, coating the surface thoroughly. Then, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese liberally over the top of each piece to create a rich, cheesy layer.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Caesar-style croutons with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. This will help them brown nicely and add a buttery crunch.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly distribute the buttery crouton mixture over the Parmesan-covered chicken breasts. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the cheese and croutons begin to brown too quickly or risk burning, tent the dish loosely with foil to protect the topping while the chicken continues cooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness, and serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For best results, pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and melting quality.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, remove foil during the last 5 minutes of baking if you had covered the dish.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked chicken, Caesar chicken, Parmesan chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, easy chicken dinner, casserole chicken recipe
