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
Scale
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
