Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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Description

This recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts smothered in a tangy, garlic-forward mixture of creamy Caesar dressing and sour cream. It’s topped with a generous layer of Parmesan cheese that melts into a savory “sauce-crust” as it bakes. The result is a decadent, restaurant-quality meal that requires only 5–10 minutes of active prep.

Full Recipe

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 30 minutes

  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness).

  • The Sauce: 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing + ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangier profile).

  • The Cheese: 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided.

  • Seasoning: ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, and a pinch of salt (go easy, as the dressing and cheese are already salty).

  • Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

  2. Season: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with pepper and garlic powder. Arrange in the dish.

  3. Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, sour cream, and 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.

  4. Coat: Spread the mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan on top.

  5. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  6. Broil (Optional): Turn the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispy, bubbling golden top.

  7. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices locked in.

Tips for Success

  • Even Thickness: Always pound your chicken breasts to a uniform thickness (about 1 inch) or slice thick breasts in half lengthwise. This prevents the edges from drying out while the center cooks.

  • The Dressing Matters: Use a high-quality “refrigerated” creamy Caesar dressing (like Ken’s or Marie’s) rather than a shelf-stable vinaigrette for the best texture.

  • Don’t Oversalt: Between the Parmesan and the anchovies/salt in the Caesar dressing, the dish is naturally salty. Taste your sauce before adding extra salt.

Nutritional Info & Benefits

Estimated per serving:

  • Calories: 450–550 kcal

  • Protein: 35g (High protein for muscle repair)

  • Fat: 30g (Can be reduced using light dressing/Greek yogurt)

  • Carbs: 4g (Excellent for Low-Carb/Keto diets)

Benefits: This meal is a “one-pan wonder” that provides a high-protein, low-carb dinner. The lactic acid in the sour cream and the enzymes in the dressing help tenderize the chicken fibers during the baking process.

Q&A

  • Can I use chicken thighs? Yes! Use boneless thighs and increase the bake time by about 5–10 minutes.

  • What should I serve this with? It pairs perfectly with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or over a bed of pasta/rice to soak up the extra creamy sauce.

  • Can I make this ahead? You can coat the chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before baking, but don’t leave it too long or the dressing may break down the meat texture.

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