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

Scale

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