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This Tender Chicken Caesar turns your go-to Caesar salad into a cozy, cheesy main. All the Caesar taste you love is here, baked up with a creamy sauce and a buttery cracker crunch on top. The chicken bakes up silky-soft and falls apart with your fork.
One night, I needed to use up leftover Caesar dressing from a get-together and threw this together. My family went nuts for it. Now it's a regular thing—my husband actually asks for it instead of going out to eat.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for topping) makes it colorful and brings a bit of freshness
- 2 tablespoons melted butter makes the crispy cracker top even tastier
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers Ritz are a favorite for buttery crunch
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper grind it over everything for best taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder gives a bit more savoriness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder brings that classic Caesar kick without raw garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese fresher is better for melting and taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream adds tang and keeps things juicy
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing thick dressing sticks best to the chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts aim for similar size pieces for even baking
Simple Steps
- Bake everything
- Pop the dish in your hot oven set at 375°F for 30 to 35 minutes. When the crackers are toasty golden and the juices are bubbling, check the center with a thermometer—you're looking for 165°F. That's when you know it's done.
- Make the crunchy crust
- Blend your melted butter with the cracker crumbs in a little bowl. Get every bit coated, then toss the crumbs all over your dressed chicken so every bite gets some crunch.
- Slather on the sauce
- Spoon your creamy Caesar blend right on top of the chicken. Get the tops and let it drip down the sides a bit—it's what keeps things really juicy.
- Lay down the chicken
- Arrange your chicken breasts in the dish. Leave a little space between them. If they're thick, whack them a bit to even them out—makes for easier cooking.
- Stir up the Caesar mix
- In a bowl, toss together your Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until silky. That's your flavor-packed base.
- Heat the oven and dish
- Start by setting your oven to 375°F. Then give your 9x13 baking dish a light slick of oil or spray so nothing sticks and everything slides out nice and easy.
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These Ritz cracker crumbs really make this dish stand out. The rich, buttery crunch is just unbeatable. Honestly, my kid once said he dreams about that topping—yeah, it's just that good.
Easy Prep Ahead
You can get this whole meal ready the night before. Just cover and chill in the fridge until you want to cook. Pull it out for half an hour before it hits the oven, then tack on five extra minutes when baking since it starts out cold.
Swaps & Options
This one's all about making it your own. Watching calories? Greek yogurt works instead of sour cream. Want it lighter? Swap in panko for the crackers. Easy to go dairy-free, too—pick a dairy-free Caesar and skip the cheese, though it'll be less creamy.
Awesome Sides
This dish loves simple sides. Try a tangy arugula salad with a splash of lemon for bite. Roasted green beans or asparagus go great, too. For a hearty try, whip up some garlicky mashed potatoes to soak up that sauce.
If You Get Stuck
Got chicken pieces in different sizes? Smaller ones cook faster. Check each with a meat thermometer and pull out the ones that hit 165°F. Leave the bigger ones in until they're done—it’s no big deal.
Common Queries
- → Could I use chicken with the bone in?
Sure thing! Bone-in chicken will work, but you’ll need to cook it a bit longer to make sure it’s fully done. It’s ready when it hits an internal temp of 165°F.
- → Is Caesar dressing a must, or can I swap it out?
You can swap it if you want! Ranch or creamy Italian dressing works as a nice alternative with a slightly different flavor.
- → What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?
Just replace the crackers with gluten-free ones or seasoned breadcrumbs. And check if your Caesar dressing is gluten-free too!
- → Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble everything, pop it in the fridge, and bake it later when you’re ready. It’ll turn out great!
- → What sides go nicely with this dish?
This pairs perfectly with roasted veggies, garlic mash, a fresh salad, or even steamed rice for a filling meal.
- → Can I spice it up with extra seasonings?
Totally! Toss in paprika, dried herbs like oregano, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to take it up a notch.