Name: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken Bake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Caesar salad dressing; ½ cup sour cream (optional); 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

A creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly tender baked chicken dish—just a handful of ingredients and simple steps deliver melt‑in‑your‑mouth results. I always turn to this recipe when I want something comforting, yet impressively delicious, without spending hours in the kitchen. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly simple this Caesar Chicken Bake is to throw together. With just a few pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep time, I get a dinner that tastes like I’ve spent hours on it. The creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan create a luscious, golden topping that clings to the chicken and locks in moisture. It’s the kind of dish I can serve for a cozy weeknight dinner or when I want to impress guests without the stress. Plus, the flavor is out of this world—rich, tangy, savory, and cheesy.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Caesar salad dressing
½ cup sour cream (optional)
1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

directions

I preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C) and spray an 8×11½‑inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, I pound them in a zip-top bag until they’re about ¾–1 inch thick.
I lay the chicken breasts in the prepared pan and sprinkle both sides with 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and the black pepper.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the Caesar dressing and sour cream (if I’m using it).
I pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan on top.
I bake the dish for about 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 150 °F (65 °C) in the thickest part.
Then I switch the oven to broil and let it broil for 2–4 minutes until the top is golden—watching carefully to prevent burning.
After removing it from the oven, I loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for 5–10 minutes (the internal temp should reach 165 °F / 74 °C).
I like to garnish it with chopped parsley before serving, but that’s totally optional.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. I typically need just 5 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, with a total time of about 40 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when I want a dinner that doesn’t take all evening.

Variations

Sometimes I like to switch things up. I’ve swapped the Caesar dressing for a creamy ranch or garlic Parmesan dressing with great results. I also occasionally use chicken thighs instead of breasts for an even juicier result. For extra crunch, I’ve tried sprinkling seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed croutons on top before broiling—it adds a nice texture. If I’m craving a little heat, I stir in some crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.

storage/reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish also freezes really well—I just wrap the chicken tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake it at 350 °F until warmed through (internal temp should hit 165 °F again). I avoid microwaving to keep the topping from turning rubbery.

FAQs

What kind of Caesar dressing works best for this recipe?

I prefer using a creamy, full-fat Caesar dressing for richness and flavor. Bottled dressing works great, but homemade Caesar dressing can make this dish even more delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes assemble the dish (up to the baking step) a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, I just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

What can I serve with Caesar Chicken Bake?

I love serving this with a side of roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad. It’s also great with air-fried potatoes or warm dinner rolls.

Is the sour cream necessary?

Nope! I often skip the sour cream and it still turns out creamy and flavorful. But when I want an even richer sauce, I include it.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! I’ve made a crockpot version by placing the chicken and Caesar dressing in the slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. I stir in the cheese and sour cream during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Caesar Chicken Bake has become a staple in my recipe rotation because it’s so easy and delivers amazing flavor every single time. It’s one of those recipes that makes me look like a kitchen pro with barely any effort. Whether I’m cooking for the family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish always impresses—and I love how it turns out perfectly every time.