If you’re on the hunt for an easy chicken recipe that’s family-approved and packed with flavor, look no further than this Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken. It’s creamy, cheesy, and takes just a handful of ingredients to create a dish that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours. But the best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to weeknight dinners.
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for chicken breast recipes that are delicious and practical. This one checks every box: easy prep, pantry-friendly ingredients, and rave reviews every single time I make it.
Why You’ll Love This Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken
This Caesar chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish that comes together fast, using simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re new to chicken breast recipes or looking for easy chicken recipes to add to your rotation, this one’s a game-changer. The Caesar chicken marinade keeps it moist and tender, while Parmesan adds cheesy richness. Serve it as-is, turn it into a crispy Caesar chicken wrap, or pair it with veggies for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Evenly sized for even cooking
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing: Go for creamy and full-flavored
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional): Adds tang and creaminess
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: For a bit of spice
Tip: If your chicken breasts are thick, pound them down to 3/4-1 inch thick for even baking.
How to Make Caesar Chicken (Step-by-Step)
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray an 8×11.5″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Pound the chicken (if needed) to even thickness.
- Season & Layer: Sprinkle chicken with 1 cup of Parmesan and black pepper. Lay into the dish.
- Mix Sauce: Whisk Caesar dressing and sour cream (if using). Pour over the chicken.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan on top.
- Bake: 30 minutes, or until internal temp hits 150°F.
- Broil: 2–4 minutes until golden and bubbly. Watch closely.
- Rest: Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Caesar Chicken Marinade Shortcut
Not in the mood to cook right away? You can marinate the chicken in Caesar dressing and a touch of garlic overnight. Then bake the next day. It enhances the flavor and makes the chicken even more tender.
Tips for the Creamiest Caesar Chicken Ever
- No need to salt the Caesar dressing and cheese handle it.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt makes it extra creamy but isn’t required.
- Room-temp dairy blends best and prevents curdling.
- Add 1 tbsp of flour to the sauce if it tends to separate.
- For a slow-cooker version: Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4, adding cheese and sour cream near the end.
Serving Ideas for Caesar Chicken
This melt-in-your-mouth chicken goes with everything. My family loves it with:
- Roasted mushrooms or garlic green beans
- Air fryer baked potatoes or mashed cauliflower
- Instant Pot rice or wild rice pilaf
- Caesar salad with homemade croutons
- Crusty dinner rolls to soak up that sauce
Want a low-carb twist? Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Yes! While homemade Caesar dressing adds an extra depth of flavor, using a good-quality bottled Caesar dressing is totally fine and saves time. Just make sure it’s creamy and well-seasoned to get that rich, savory taste.
The sour cream is optional but highly recommended. It adds a creamy texture and balances out the saltiness of the Parmesan and Caesar dressing. If you’re avoiding dairy or want a tangier flavor, you can skip it or substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. If you’re broiling for extra golden color, keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before putting it in the oven.
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. For a low-carb option, try serving it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay even juicier during baking. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly, so be sure to check internal temperature for doneness.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly (internal temp 165°F).
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more Caesar chicken recipes or cheesy, comforting chicken ideas?
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside this Parmesan crusted chicken is a fast and flavorful dinner win.
Peruvian Chicken and Rice with Green Sauce
Packed with bold spices and served with a zesty green sauce, this chicken and rice dish is anything but boring.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
These stuffed chicken breasts are loaded with cheesy spinach goodness and make a great low-carb dinner option.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Creamy, garlicky, and slow-cooked to perfection this Tuscan chicken is an easy comfort food classic.
Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken
Let your crockpot do the work with this creamy garlic chicken that’s rich, tender, and family-approved.
conclusion
his melt-in-your-mouth Caesar chicken is everything you want in a dinner quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re searching for easy chicken recipes, chicken breast recipes, or crave-worthy Caesar chicken recipes, this one is a keeper. Customize it with your favorite Caesar chicken marinade, serve it in a Caesar chicken wrap, or pair it with crispy sides. However you enjoy it, this Caesar chicken will be a weeknight winner. Save it now for your next family favorite!
Make it once, and I promise it’ll be in your easy chicken recipes rotation for good.
If you try it, let me know in the comments or better yet, pin it on Pinterest to save and share the love. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, cheesy Caesar chicken is a family-favorite weeknight dinner made with just 4 main ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy cooks looking for quick and delicious chicken breast recipes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray an 8×11.5″ baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness if needed.
- Sprinkle chicken with 1 cup of Parmesan and black pepper, then place into the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk Caesar dressing and sour cream (if using). Pour over chicken.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 150°F.
- Broil for 2–4 minutes until golden and bubbly—watch closely.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can marinate the chicken overnight in Caesar dressing and garlic for extra flavor. For slow-cooker method, cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, adding cheese and sour cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: chicken, caesar, baked chicken, creamy chicken, weeknight dinner