Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe

The Ultimate Juicy Caesar Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Crispy, golden Caesar chicken bursts with flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this delectable dish with simple, fresh ingredients.

Salt and herbs create magical combinations in every bite.

Tender chicken pieces absorb rich, creamy dressing that promises incredible depth.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this straightforward recipe.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this meal satisfies hunger and delights the senses.

Grab your apron and let’s create something phenomenal!

Why Ultimate Caesar Chicken Is Unforgettable

  • Dive into a mouthwatering dish that combines the classic Caesar salad taste with tender, juicy chicken in just a few simple steps.
  • Easily adaptable to different sides and dietary preferences, this recipe works brilliantly for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings with friends.
  • Packed with lean protein and bursting with zesty flavors, this chicken dish offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients Checklist for Caesar Chicken Delight

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts that serve as the main protein for this delicious recipe.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor to the marinade.
  • Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base to enhance the overall taste.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Seasoning and Topping:
  • Caesar Dressing: Adds classic Caesar flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty topping that creates a golden brown crust.
Cooking Preparation:
  • Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures the chicken doesn't stick to the baking dish.

How to Make Ultimate Caesar Chicken With Ease

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spritz of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Burst

In a mixing bowl, create a flavor explosion by whisking together:
  • Olive oil
  • Dijon mustard
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Half of the Caesar dressing

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Transfer chicken breasts into a resealable bag or bowl.

Pour the zesty marinade over the chicken, making sure every inch gets coated.

Seal it up and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to soak up all those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Pull the marinated chicken from the fridge and arrange it in the prepared baking dish.

Drizzle the remaining Caesar dressing over the top and shower it with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown color and chicken that’s fully cooked through.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.

Slice and serve alongside crisp fresh greens or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Caesar Chicken: Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Results

  • Let chicken soak in Caesar dressing mixture for at least 30 minutes to ensure deep, tangy taste penetrates every bite.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Broil chicken for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, crispy Parmesan cheese topping that adds delightful texture.
  • Replace regular Caesar dressing with gluten-free version and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
  • Cook extra chicken breasts and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making quick lunches or dinner additions throughout the week.

Store and Reheat Caesar Chicken the Smart Way

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Chicken will maintain quality for up to 3 months when frozen.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent dryness. Aim for internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Satisfying Pairings for Ultimate Caesar Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the tangy Caesar flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken and enhancing the creamy dressing notes.
  • Serve with Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a complementary green vegetable side that mirrors the Caesar salad theme and provides a fresh, slightly charred texture contrast.
  • Match with Herb-Infused Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme creates a protein-packed base that absorbs the delicious Caesar dressing without overwhelming the chicken's delicate flavor.
  • Complement with Citrus Arugula Salad: A bright, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy dish, adding a zesty freshness that balances the rich Caesar chicken.

Caesar Chicken: Ways to Add Your Own Twist

  • Low-Carb Caesar Chicken: Replace Parmesan cheese with almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains crispy texture while reducing carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap traditional Caesar dressing with cashew-based Caesar sauce and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to the marinade for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired chicken that elevates the classic recipe's flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Mix smoked paprika and chili powder into the marinade, top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, bold version of the original Caesar chicken.

FAQs

  • Is Caesar dressing good for marinating chicken?

Absolutely! Caesar dressing contains tangy, savory ingredients like garlic, lemon, and Parmesan that help tenderize chicken and infuse it with incredible flavor. The acidity from lemon juice helps break down proteins, making the meat more tender and juicy.

  • Can I use bottled Caesar dressing instead of making my own marinade?

Yes, you can! Store-bought Caesar dressing works perfectly for this recipe. Just choose a high-quality brand with robust flavor. Pro tip: Look for dressings with real Parmesan and garlic for best results.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They cook evenly, absorb marinade quickly, and provide a lean protein option. Choose similar-sized breasts to ensure uniform cooking time.

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Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe

Ultimate Caesar Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Caesar chicken promises a mouthwatering fusion of classic salad flavors and succulent protein. Crispy parmesan-crusted chicken delivers restaurant-quality elegance you can easily create at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs / 680 grams)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Liquid and Oils:

  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and lightly coating a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Craft a vibrant marinade by combining olive oil, Dijon mustard, finely chopped garlic, fresh lemon juice, and half the Caesar dressing in a mixing bowl, whisking until ingredients harmonize.
  3. Transfer chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag or container, then thoroughly coat with the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage before sealing and chilling in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  4. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and carefully arrange in the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
  5. Enhance flavor profile by generously drizzling remaining Caesar dressing over the chicken and sprinkling a layer of grated Parmesan cheese to create a golden, crispy topping.
  6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken achieves a rich golden-brown color and reaches optimal internal temperature.
  7. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps redistribute juices and ensures maximum tenderness before slicing and serving alongside fresh salad greens or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste penetration.
  • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Customize the dish by using Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing for a lighter, protein-packed alternative to traditional recipes.
  • Transform this recipe into a low-carb or keto-friendly meal by pairing with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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