Baked Caesar Chicken is creamy, savory, and brimming with cheesy goodness. This easy dinner idea transforms simple chicken breasts into a crave-worthy, melt-in-your-mouth entrée.
The Caesar dressing infuses bold flavor while mozzarella and Parmesan melt into a golden, irresistible topping. With minimal prep, it’s the perfect weeknight recipe that feels like a weekend indulgence.
What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Baked Caesar Chicken
- Chicken breasts – Lean and protein-packed, they soak up flavor and bake to juicy perfection.
- Caesar dressing – The flavor base, bringing tang, saltiness, and umami depth to the dish.
- Sour cream – Adds creamy richness and tempers the saltiness of the Caesar dressing.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully, adding gooey, stretchy texture and mild flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Sharp and salty, it forms a crisp, golden topping after baking.
- Garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes without overpowering the creamy elements.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken in a Snap
Preheat the oven and get your baking dish ready with a quick spray of cooking oil. Season your chicken breasts with a touch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper — go light on the salt since the dressing adds plenty.
In a bowl, mix Caesar dressing with sour cream for an extra smooth and flavorful coating. Drench the chicken in this creamy mixture, then arrange them in the dish, spooning any extra sauce on top.
Generously layer mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken and bake until golden and bubbly. For a beautifully caramelized top, finish with a few minutes under the broiler. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
Kitchen Tips for a Perfect Bake Every Time
For even cooking and maximum tenderness, opt for thinner chicken breasts or slice thick ones in half horizontally. This ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out.
Choose a Caesar dressing with a strong flavor — the kind with anchovy and garlic punch — to deliver bold, craveable results. The sour cream tones down the salt and gives the sauce a lush texture, so don’t skip it.
To keep the topping beautifully melted and browned, add the broil step at the end, but watch closely — cheese can go from golden to burnt in seconds!
Leftovers? Here’s How to Store and Reheat with Care
Cool the Baked Caesar Chicken completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
For longer storage, freeze portions tightly wrapped in foil and plastic, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture and melty cheese appeal.
Baked Caesar Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch (or slightly smaller) baking dish with non-stick spray. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, a touch of salt, and black pepper—keeping the salt light due to the naturally high sodium content of Caesar dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing with the sour cream until smooth. Generously coat each chicken breast with the dressing mixture on all sides. Place the coated chicken into the prepared baking dish and spoon any remaining dressing mixture over the top. Distribute the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the chicken. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, then broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
