Description
Baked caesar chicken brings together tender chicken breasts coated in a tangy, savory caesar dressing that crisps up beautifully in the oven, and you get a satisfying weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs create that golden, crunchy exterior your family will keep asking for.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Seasonings:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 0.5 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Cheese and Toppings:
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 375°F before you do anything else.
- Pat 4 chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels, then lay them flat on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Coat both sides of each chicken breast with 1/2 cup Caesar dressing, making sure the coverage is even.
- Distribute 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt across your chicken so each piece receives equal seasoning.
- Combine 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese with 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in a bowl and mix until uniform.
- Press your Parmesan breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the top of each chicken breast so it adheres to the dressing underneath.
- Pour 2 tablespoons melted butter over the breaded tops of your chicken pieces.
- Place your baking sheet into the 375°F oven and cook for 25 to 30 minutes until the coating becomes golden and your chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Take your chicken out of the oven and allow it to sit for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before plating.
Notes
- Patting your chicken completely dry before dressing it helps the coating stick better and prevents a soggy crust from forming during baking.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each breast right after brushing with dressing, since the moisture helps it adhere and prevents it from sliding off in the oven.
- Check the thickest part of your chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F, as thinner breasts cook faster and thicker ones may need an extra 5 minutes.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular panko for gluten-free panko in the same amount, and your results stay nearly identical in texture and crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 468 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1015 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg