Forget dry, boring chicken. This Caesar Chicken recipe delivers incredibly juicy, tender chicken breasts packed with the savory, tangy flavors of a classic Caesar salad. It’s a simple, elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough for company. We’re covering everything from the perfect chicken marinade to a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing that you’ll want to put on everything.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Caesar Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s big on flavor and low on fuss, you’ve found it. This isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation.
- Incredibly Flavorful: A rich, savory marinade infuses the chicken with classic Caesar ingredients like garlic, parmesan, and a hint of anchovy for that authentic umami kick.
- Perfectly Juicy & Tender: Our method ensures the chicken bakes to perfection, staying moist and delicious every single time. No more dry chicken!
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, this Caesar Chicken is ideal for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Star: Serve it over a classic salad, shred it for wraps, or slice it over pasta. The possibilities are endless!
The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredients
The magic of this dish comes from simple, high-quality ingredients coming together perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need.
For the Caesar Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Try to get pieces that are similar in thickness for even cooking.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our marinade that helps keep the chicken incredibly moist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan will give you the best flavor and melt beautifully.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must for bright, citrusy notes.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Anchovy Paste: The secret weapon for authentic Caesar flavor! It provides a savory, umami depth you can’t get otherwise.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best taste.
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise: Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter dressing, or mayo for a classic creamy version.
- Lemon Juice & Dijon Mustard: The foundational tangy elements.
- Parmesan, Garlic, Anchovy Paste: These echo the marinade flavors to create a cohesive and delicious dressing.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds another layer of savory complexity.
How to Make The Ultimate Caesar Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Making this Caesar Chicken is incredibly simple. We’ll first create the marinade, let the chicken soak up all that flavor, and then bake it to juicy perfection.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. This powerful marinade is the key to our flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Place them in a baking dish or a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. For the best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The top should be golden brown and bubbly.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a crucial step to lock in the juices. Slice the chicken against the grain and serve immediately.
The Secret to the Best Homemade Caesar Dressing
While the chicken is baking, you can whip up this incredible homemade Caesar dressing. It’s so much better than store-bought!
Simply combine Greek yogurt (or mayo), Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, garlic, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, you can add a teaspoon or two of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Caesar Chicken
This recipe is more than just a piece of chicken; it’s the foundation for so many amazing meals. If you love variety, you’ll appreciate how versatile this dish is.
- Classic Chicken Caesar Salad: The most obvious and delicious choice! Serve sliced Caesar Chicken over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce with croutons, extra Parmesan, and a generous drizzle of your homemade dressing.
- Caesar Chicken Wraps: Shred or slice the chicken and wrap it in a large tortilla with romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and a smear of dressing. It’s a perfect lunch, similar in spirit to this tasty Teriyaki Chicken Wrap.
- Caesar Chicken Pasta: For a comforting meal, toss the sliced chicken with your favorite pasta and the Caesar dressing. For a different creamy chicken pasta idea, check out this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta (coming soon).
- On a Sandwich: Layer the chicken on a crusty baguette with lettuce and tomato for a hearty and satisfying sandwich.
Pro Tips for Recipe Success
Want to guarantee perfect results? Keep these simple tips in mind.
- Don’t Skip the Anchovy: Anchovy paste is essential for that authentic, savory Caesar flavor. It melts into the marinade and doesn’t taste fishy, I promise!
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Avoid the pre-shredded kind. A block of Parmesan grated fresh will have a much richer flavor and better texture.
- Let It Rest: Letting the chicken rest after baking is non-negotiable. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist.
- Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are very thick on one end, gently pound them to a more even thickness. This promotes even cooking. For another great skillet chicken recipe, try this Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet.
Yes, the homemade Caesar dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and may even taste better the next day!
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to prevent it from drying out.
While anchovy paste gives the most authentic flavor, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a tiny amount of miso paste to achieve a similar umami depth. However, for the true Caesar taste, anchovy is highly recommended.
Besides the classic Caesar salad, this chicken is fantastic with roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or over a bed of pasta. It also makes for an amazing sandwich or wrap for lunch.
Yes, the homemade Caesar dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld and may even taste better the next day!
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to prevent it from drying out.
While anchovy paste gives the most authentic flavor, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a tiny amount of miso paste to achieve a similar umami depth. However, for the true Caesar taste, anchovy is highly recommended.
Besides the classic Caesar salad, this chicken is fantastic with roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or over a bed of pasta. It also makes for an amazing sandwich or wrap for lunch.
Enjoy Your Perfect Caesar Chicken!
This Caesar Chicken recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, delivering bold flavors and perfect texture with minimal effort. It’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen. If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments below. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Caesar Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy, Flavorful Perfection
This Caesar Chicken recipe delivers incredibly juicy, baked chicken breasts infused with the savory, tangy flavors of a classic Caesar dressing. It's a simple, elegant, and versatile dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
For the Caesar Chicken- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing- While the chicken bakes, combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl: Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, anchovy paste, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Serve with the chicken.
Notes
Don't skip the anchovy paste! It provides the signature savory flavor of Caesar dressing and won't make the final dish taste fishy.
Let the chicken rest. This is crucial for keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
Caesar Chicken: The Ultimate Guide to Juicy, Flavorful Perfection
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- While the chicken bakes, combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl: Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, anchovy paste, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy. If too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Serve with the chicken.
Notes
Let the chicken rest. This is crucial for keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
