Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Baked Caesar Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, tangy Caesar topping. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra cheesy topping)
- ½ cup crushed croutons (optional for crunch)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over both sides.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Step 4: Spread a thin layer of the Caesar mixture over each chicken breast. If using mozzarella, sprinkle it on top. Optionally, add crushed croutons for a crunchy topping.
- Step 5: Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For a golden, crispy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes if desired.
- Step 6: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the Caesar mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
- Swap mozzarella for shredded cheddar or Parmesan for a different cheese twist.
- Add fresh chopped parsley or basil on top before serving for a fresh herb note.
- Serve with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To keep the topping crispy, reheat in the oven instead of the microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but baking time will be longer. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
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Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Baked Caesar Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a creamy Caesar-inspired mixture of mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Topped with mozzarella and crunchy croutons, this oven-baked recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste (¼ tsp black pepper added in sauce)
Caesar Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crushed croutons
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Rub olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly over both sides of each breast to season the chicken thoroughly.
- Make Caesar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble: Spread a thin and even layer of the Caesar sauce mixture over the top of each seasoned chicken breast. If desired, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, cheesy layer. Optionally add crushed croutons on top for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the assembled chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For a golden, crispy topping, broil the chicken for the last 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve the Baked Caesar Chicken with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a crispy, golden topping.
- For a lower fat version, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the Caesar mixture.
- Croutons add texture and crunch but can be omitted for a softer finish.
- This recipe can be doubled or halved easily to serve more or fewer people.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Caesar chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken breasts, cheesy baked chicken
