Guaranteed Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

When I moved to the U.S., familiar comfort foods felt out of reach amidst my busy schedule. I desperately needed meals that brought warmth to my table without exhausting me. Experimenting in my kitchen, I blended quick, modern methods with flavors I loved. This baked Caesar chicken with Parmesan sauce became a victory—a simple, joyful dinner that proves cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

Life often feels too busy for gourmet cooking, but this baked Caesar chicken allows you to serve a restaurant-quality meal without the stress. It is designed to be your secret weapon for simple, stress-free weeknight dinners. Here is why this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

• Effortless Preparation: With only five minutes of prep time, you can get this dish into the oven quickly. It frees you up to unwind while dinner takes care of itself.
• Guaranteed Juiciness: The combination of Caesar dressing and Parmesan creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture. You never have to worry about serving dry or bland chicken breasts again.
• Incredible Flavor: This recipe delivers a bold, tangy, and savory punch that tastes like it simmered for hours. The creamy sauce transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.

What Makes This Baked Caesar Chicken So Special? The Secret to Juicy Chicken and Irresistibly Creamy Sauce

What makes this baked Caesar chicken with Parmesan sauce stand out is its clever use of ingredients to solve common kitchen problems. Many home cooks struggle with chicken breasts drying out in the oven. This recipe tackles that issue head-on by utilizing a rich, creamy coating that acts as a continuous basting agent while baking.

The dual approach of using a quality dressing mixed with sour cream ensures the sauce stays thick and luxurious rather than breaking into oil. Whether you need the speed of a store-bought bottle or the depth of a homemade mixture, the result is consistently tender meat enrobed in a golden, bubbly sauce.

The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy Parmesan Caesar Sauce (Homemade vs. Store-bought)

If you are relying on store-bought dressing for convenience, look for a shelf-stable creamy Caesar rather than a vinaigrette style. The creamy versions usually contain emulsifiers that help the sauce cling to the chicken during the bake. For the best baked Caesar chicken, choose a brand that lists cheese and garlic high on the ingredient label.

However, if you have a few extra minutes, using a homemade Caesar dressing elevates this dish to a gourmet level. A homemade version often provides a sharper anchovy kick and fresher lemon notes. Regardless of which you choose, the addition of sour cream is the real secret—it stabilizes the dairy and adds a irresistible tang that balances the salty Parmesan.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup Caesar salad dressing ((click for homemade recipe!))
• ½ cup sour cream (room temperature (optional))

Instructions

1. Prep the oven and pan. Preheat oven to 375°F and spray the inside of an 8×11½-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Flatten the chicken. If the breasts are uneven thickness, pound them (placed in a Ziplock bag and on a flat surface) to an even ¾-1-inch thickness using a meat pounder.
3. Season the meat. Sprinkle the breasts (both sides) with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and all of the freshly ground black pepper, and place them in the prepared baking dish.
4. Create the sauce. Whisk together Caesar dressing and sour cream in a small bowl; pour the Caesar/sour cream mixture over each breast then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake the chicken. Place the prepared chicken in the oven and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of one of the middle breasts reads 150°F.
6. Broil for color. Turn the oven to broil and broil the breasts an additional 2-4 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown; watch it closely as it can burn quickly and cook until a thermometer registers 165°F.
7. Rest the dish. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil and allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Add final touches. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley.

Aisha’s Tips for Perfectly Baked Caesar Chicken

I want you to feel completely confident when you step into the kitchen to make this. Cooking should be a joy, not a source of stress, and a few simple tricks can guarantee success. First, do not skip pounding the chicken breasts. Even thickness means even cooking, which prevents one end from drying out while the other creates a food safety hazard.

Secondly, bring your sour cream to room temperature before mixing it with the dressing. Cold dairy hitting a hot oven can sometimes cause the sauce to separate or look grainy. If you forget to take it out early, you can just whisk it until it’s smooth and let it sit for five minutes. Finally, watch that broiler like a hawk! The transition from “perfectly golden” to “burnt crisp” happens in seconds due to the high cheese content. This is why pulling them at 165°F is crucial.

Choosing Your Chicken: Breasts, Thighs, and More

While this baked Caesar chicken with Parmesan sauce calls for boneless, skinless breasts, you can absolutely adapt it. Chicken breasts are lean and benefit greatly from this rich sauce, but they can dry out if overcooked. This is why pulling them at 165°F is crucial.

If you prefer a forgiving cut of meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They are naturally juicier and have a richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan. If you use thighs, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so rely on your meat thermometer to tell you when they are ready.

Customizing Your Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

One of the things I love about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Here are a few ways to twist the flavors to suit your mood or dietary needs.

Making it a Complete Meal: Pairing & Presentation Ideas

To turn this baked Caesar chicken with Parmesan sauce into a dinner your family will cheer for, you need the right sides. Since the sauce is rich and creamy, I love pairing it with something green and fresh. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli are perfect choices because you can drizzle a little extra sauce right over the vegetables.

For a comforting carbohydrate, serve the chicken over a bed of mashed potatoes or al dente pasta to catch every drop of that savory golden sauce. If you want to keep things lighter, a simple side salad with homemade croutons echoes the Caesar theme perfectly. When serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the golden crust to make the dish pop with color.

Storage and Reheating Your Baked Caesar Chicken

If you are lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully. Keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but it keeps the meat tender. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container.

When it is time to eat, I recommend reheating your baked Caesar chicken in the oven at 325°F until it is warmed through. This helps maintain the texture of the crust better than the microwave. If you must use a microwave, cover the dish to prevent splatters and heat in short bursts to avoid rubbery meat.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

What kind of Caesar dressing is best for this recipe?
For the best results, use a high-quality creamy Caesar dressing rather than a thin vinaigrette. A thicker dressing helps coat the chicken evenly and creates a richer sauce. If you have time, clicking the link in the ingredients for a homemade recipe is highly recommended for flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts, and will the cooking time change?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy, but they may require a slightly different cooking time depending on their size. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?
The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Pounding the breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook at the same rate. Using a meat thermometer to pull the chicken exactly when it reaches 165°F (after broiling) is the most reliable way to prevent dryness.

Can I add vegetables directly to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can place quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms around the chicken in the baking dish. They will cook in the juices and absorb the delicious parmesan Caesar flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Just ensure your chosen Caesar dressing does not contain added sugars and skip any breadcrumb toppings. The high-fat content from the Parmesan and sour cream fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish ahead of time by prepping the chicken and mixing the sauce components. Store the chicken and the sauce separately in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, season the chicken, add the sauce, and bake as directed, adding a few minutes to the cook time if the dish is cold.

Conclusion

I hope this baked Caesar chicken with Parmesan sauce brings a little ease and joy to your dinner table tonight. It really is one of those magical recipes that delivers big comfort with minimal effort, perfect for when you are tired but still want to eat well. Remember, cooking is about those small victories!

I would love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you try a spicy variation or swap the cheese? Please leave a comment below sharing your experience or ask any questions you might have. And if you want more simple, stress-free dinner ideas directly in your inbox, don’t forget to subscribe to the Aisha Recipes newsletter!

Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

A delicious and easy recipe for baked chicken breasts coated in Parmesan cheese and a creamy Caesar sauce, then broiled until golden.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• 1½ cups Parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
• ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
• 1 cup Caesar salad dressing
• ½ cup sour cream room temperature (optional)

Equipment

• Baking pan
• Meat pounder
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer
• Foil

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare an 8x11½-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even ¾-1-inch thickness if necessary.
3. Season chicken breasts on both sides with 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then place them in the baking dish.
4. Whisk Caesar dressing and sour cream, then pour over the chicken and sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
6. Broil for 2-4 minutes until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning, until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached.
7. Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Watch the chicken closely during broiling as it can burn quickly.