Description
This Creamy Caesar Chicken Bake is a quick and healthy weeknight meal that combines the bold flavors of Caesar dressing with juicy chicken breasts and a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for beginner cooks and ready in under 45 minutes, it’s a no-fuss, sheet pan dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for drizzling or spraying before baking)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges, extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a sheet pan or baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Flatten the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ½ inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Marinate in Caesar Dressing: Lay the chicken in a shallow dish and pour Caesar dressing over each piece. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors absorb and tenderize the meat.
- Make the Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each marinated chicken breast, let excess dressing drip off, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture to coat both sides well.
- Bake Until Golden and Juicy: Place coated chicken onto the baking sheet without overlapping. Drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crisp. You can broil briefly at the end for added crunch.
- Let It Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow airflow underneath the chicken. Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers make great substitutes. You can prep this dish in advance by coating the chicken and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers reheat best in the oven or air fryer to preserve the crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg