The Best Caesar Chicken Recipe: A Zesty Twist on Classic Flavors

Caesar chicken might sound like another everyday dinner option, but this zesty dish brings unexpected excitement to your plate.

Culinary magic happens when classic salad flavors merge with tender protein.

Crisp romaine and parmesan cheese create a delightful backdrop for succulent meat seasoned with rich, tangy dressing.

Garlic and anchovies infuse depth into every juicy bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary that feels both familiar and fresh.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without complicated techniques.

Dive into this recipe and transform an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Why Caesar Chicken Is So Creamy And Delicious

• Boost Flavor Quickly: Combine Caesar dressing and breadcrumbs to transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal with maximum taste and minimal effort.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pan recipe means less cleanup, using basic kitchen ingredients most home cooks already have in their pantry and refrigerator.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Golden crispy coating and tangy Caesar flavors make this chicken irresistible for both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals.
• Master Foolproof Technique: Baking instead of frying delivers healthier results with perfectly cooked chicken that stays juicy and develops a crunchy exterior without excess oil.

Everything You Need For Caesar Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of this crispy, flavorful dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crunchy, golden exterior that adds texture and rich flavor to the chicken.
• Dried Oregano, Black Pepper, Salt: Provide aromatic seasoning and enhance the overall taste profile of the coating.

• Mayonnaise: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and adds moisture to prevent dryness.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy element that cuts through the richness of the dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle sharp and complex flavor to the coating.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes depth and umami to the overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind the dressing and adds a smooth, rich undertone.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a vibrant, fresh finish and adds a pop of color to the dish.

• Garlic: Introduces a robust, aromatic flavor to the dressing.
• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy cleanup and prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking sheet.

How To Make Caesar Chicken At Home

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station and Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking surface.

Step 2: Create Zesty Caesar Coating Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Dried oregano
• Black pepper
• Salt

Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful breading blend.

Step 3: Prepare Caesar Dressing Mixture

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Olive oil

Blend ingredients until well-incorporated and creamy.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Breasts

Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels. This helps the breading adhere perfectly. Generously brush each chicken breast with the prepared Caesar dressing, ensuring total coverage.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken

Roll each dressing-coated chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the breading stick thoroughly and create an even, crispy coating.

Step 6: Arrange for Baking

Place the breaded chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure spacing between each piece to promote even cooking and crispy exterior.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The breading should turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Rest and Finish

Remove chicken from the oven. Let rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken for a vibrant, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flavorful Caesar chicken.

Pro Tips For Cooking Caesar Chicken

• Moisture Mastery: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to help breadcrumbs stick better and create an extra crispy coating.
• Dressing Technique: Ensure full coverage of Caesar dressing on chicken for maximum flavor penetration and juiciness.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Spacing Strategy: Arrange chicken pieces with enough room between them on the baking sheet to promote even browning and crispy texture.
• Resting Ritual: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices and maintain tender, succulent meat.

Ways To Change Up Caesar Chicken

• Gluten-Free Crispy Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture.
• Greek-Inspired Herb Chicken: Swap oregano with fresh chopped dill and mint, and add crumbled feta cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Chicken: Use ground pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, and replace mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the coating crispy.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken: Mix cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried thyme into the breadcrumb coating for a zesty, bold variation that adds a kick of heat to the classic recipe.

Perfect Pairings For Caesar Chicken

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy Caesar dressing and cut through the richness of the breaded chicken.
• Create Crunchy Caesar Salad Side: Serve a classic Caesar salad alongside the chicken to echo the dressing flavors and add a refreshing green element to the plate.
• Mix Roasted Garlic Potato Wedges: Prepare herbed potato wedges roasted with garlic and olive oil to provide a complementary starch that matches the crispy chicken's texture and Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.
• Splash Citrus-Infused Water: Prepare a light lemon and herb-infused water to cleanse the palate and enhance the bright, zesty notes of the Caesar-coated chicken.

Easy Storage For Caesar Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring crispy breading remains intact.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs About Caesar Chicken

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs. Just ensure they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook.

• Is there a gluten-free alternative for breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour, or crush gluten-free crackers as a crunchy coating replacement.

• How can I make the dressing more tangy?

Add an extra splash of lemon juice or include a teaspoon of anchovy paste to enhance the Caesar dressing’s traditional sharp flavor profile.

• What if I don't have Worcestershire sauce?

No problem. Substitute with soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and vinegar to maintain the similar umami and depth of flavor in the dressing.

Caesar Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when classic Caesar salad meets succulent chicken in this irresistible fusion dish. Crisp romaine, zesty dressing, and perfectly seasoned chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Caesar Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Breading and Garnish:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick cooking.
2. Create the Caesar dressing by whisking mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and olive oil until smooth and well-combined.
3. In a separate shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to form a flavorful coating mixture.
4. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres perfectly.
5. Generously coat each chicken breast in the prepared Caesar dressing, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Roll the dressing-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breading stick thoroughly.
7. Arrange the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the breading turns golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute.
10. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken for a vibrant, fresh finish before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Mastery: Pat chicken breasts completely dry to guarantee the most crispy, golden-brown coating that sticks perfectly without falling off during baking.
• Flavor Boost: Let the Caesar dressing marinate the chicken for 15-30 minutes before breading to enhance deeper, more intense taste profiles and ensure maximum seasoning penetration.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy texture and delicious crunch.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender meat with a perfectly crisp exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 681
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 724 mg
• Fat: 47 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 39 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 116 mg