This Caesar chicken is one of those recipes I make when I need something quick, easy, and tasty! Seasoned chicken breasts are topped with melty cheese, creamy Caesar dressing, and a squirt of lemon juice and baked to juicy perfection. It has all the flavors of my favorite salad but wrapped into a hearty chicken dinner!
I genuinely love a good chicken Caesar salad, but not enough to make it every day… meaning I always end up with leftover dressing. That’s why I’m obsessed with making this recipe! My baked Caesar chicken is creamy and cheesy, and the chicken melts in your mouth (it’s THAT tender and juicy!) It’s a wonderful weeknight dinner the whole family will love – trust me, mine won’t stop asking for it!
What’s in This Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe?
I kept this recipe under 7 ingredients, making it as easy as it is delicious! If you don’t already have these ingredients in your pantry (although I bet you do!), it’s time to stock up because this recipe will be on repeat.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this recipe. Feel free to use chicken thighs if that’s what you prefer! Thighs might need a slightly longer cooking time – the internal temperature should reach 165°F when done.
- Spices: Salt, pepper, and chili powder make a great dry rub for the chicken.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly on top of the chicken. If you can, shred your own rather than buying pre-shredded cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts way better!
- Parmesan Cheese: A classic flavor combo with Caesar dressing.
- Caesar Dressing: Use your favorite brand, or make your own from scratch. Make sure the dressing you use is creamy rather than oily.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a bright and tangy flavor to balance out the creaminess of the dressing and cheese.
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How to Store and Reheat
My Caesar dressing chicken always lasts well in the fridge for up to 4 days. An airtight container keeps it fresh for lunch or dinner leftovers. I just pop it back in the oven to reheat at 350°F until heated through.
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. Some Caesar dressings can break and become watery when frozen and thawed.
Notes and Tips
- Check the salt content of your Caesar sauce BEFORE adding salt to the chicken breasts. Caesar dressing adds plenty of flavor, including salt, and you don’t want a super salty dish. You might not even need to add any extra salt at all!
- Use a homemade or high quality creamy Caesar dressing to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Chicken is cooked through when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F.
- I always broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end to make the cheese golden and crispy on top.
Caesar Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, salt, and pepper together. Rub this mixture onto both sides of each chicken breast. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish.1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Sprinkle ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken.2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Whisk the Caesar dressing and lemon juice together in a small bowl and pour on top of the cheese/chicken.1 cup creamy Caesar dressing, 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheeses in an even layer on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until an instant thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the center of the chicken. For a toasty, golden brown cheese topping, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes prior to removing from the oven. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn!
- Let the chicken cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
How to Make Caesar Chicken Step by Step
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F.
Make the Dry Rub: Mix 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt (if needed), and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper together in a small bowl. Take 4 skinless chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture all over each breast. Pop the chicken into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Add the Cheese: Top the chicken breasts with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Add the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of creamy Caesar dressing and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts and cheese.
Sprinkle on More Cheese: Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
Bake in the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. When ready, the chicken should register an internal temperature of 165°F. If you want the cheese to be really browned and bubbly, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes before taking it out of the oven. It can burn, so keep a close eye on it.
Cool and Serve: Allow the chicken to cool for 10 minutes. Serve your creamy Caesar chicken, and enjoy!
A deadly amount of sodium in just 1 serving.
Very good best yet
Thanks, Carol!