Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s low-effort and high-reward. With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, I get juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or a crisp salad. The Caesar dressing takes care of the seasoning, while the cheese on top gives it that golden, slightly crispy finish. And cleanup? Super easy.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup Caesar dressing (creamy style works best)
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½ cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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I season the chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
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I place the chicken into the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
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I pour the Caesar dressing evenly over the top of the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
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I sprinkle the Parmesan cheese generously over each piece.
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I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is slightly golden. (Internal temp should reach 165°F.)
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I let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with parsley or green onions if I want to dress it up.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 25–30 minutes
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Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap the Caesar dressing for a peppercorn ranch or creamy Italian when I want a twist. For a low-carb dinner, I serve the chicken with roasted vegetables or cauliflower mash. If I want more texture, I mix crushed croutons or Panko with the Parmesan for a crispy topping. A splash of lemon juice or zest adds brightness too.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or microwave it in 1-minute bursts until warmed through. If it starts to dry out, I spoon a little extra Caesar dressing over the top before reheating. It also freezes well—I let it cool completely, wrap it, and freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work great. They’re even juicier and cook in about the same amount of time.
What’s the best Caesar dressing for this recipe?
I prefer creamy Caesar dressing (not vinaigrette-style). Any brand works, but I usually go for one with strong Parmesan and garlic flavors.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until I’m ready to bake—up to 24 hours in advance.
Does this recipe need breadcrumbs?
Not at all. I like it cheesy and creamy without breadcrumbs, but if I want extra texture, I’ll sprinkle some on top with the Parmesan before baking.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, I sometimes add halved cherry tomatoes or chopped spinach around the chicken. Just make sure everything gets coated a bit with the sauce for flavor.
Conclusion
Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken is one of my favorite weeknight recipes—it’s creamy, flavorful, and practically effortless. With only a handful of ingredients, I can create a dish that feels comforting and elegant at the same time. Whether I’m serving it for a quick family dinner or making extra for lunches, it’s a recipe that never fails to please.
Print
Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy baked chicken breasts smothered in creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan. Just a few ingredients for a tender, flavorful dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Caesar dressing (use creamy-style, not vinaigrette)
½ cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
In a small bowl, mix the Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Spoon the dressing mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them well.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to slightly brown the top.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute Caesar dressing with a Greek yogurt-based version for a lighter option.
Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This recipe also works well with chicken thighs (adjust cooking time accordingly).
Make it cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or more Parmesan on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 5–10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
