Crispy Caesar Chicken Recipe

Savory Caesar Chicken Recipe: A Royal Dinner Delight

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crispy caesar chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Caesar salad lovers will adore how classic flavors merge with tender, golden-brown chicken.

The breading creates an irresistible crunch that seals in juicy meat with every bite.

Parmesan and garlic combine to form a seasoned coating that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dish perfect for busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of crispy texture and rich, tangy notes.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Ultimate Caesar Chicken

For Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein perfect for absorbing rich Caesar flavors; choose fresh, organic cuts for best texture and taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Caesar Dressing: Creamy base providing tangy, garlicky essence; select premium, authentic dressing for robust flavor profile.
  • Sour Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and balances dressing's intensity; opt for full-fat version for richer mouthfeel.
  • Salt: Fundamental seasoning that amplifies chicken's natural taste; use kosher or sea salt for deeper flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and complexity; freshly ground offers more vibrant punch.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated garlic warmth without raw garlic bite; choose pure, no-additive versions.
For Topping and Texture:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese that brings umami depth; select aged, authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides melty, stretchy texture; fresh varieties offer superior smoothness.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistibly crispy exterior; Japanese-style breadcrumbs ensure maximum crunchiness.
  • Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs achieve golden, crisp coating; extra virgin provides richer flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that introduces aromatic Mediterranean notes; look for high-quality, fresh dried herb mix.
  • Parsley: Fresh garnish adding bright color and mild herbal freshness; choose vibrant green leaves.

Cooking Tools For Ultimate Caesar Chicken

  • Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for cooking and presenting the chicken, allows even heat distribution.
  • Mixing Bowls (Small): Perfect for preparing Caesar mixture, breadcrumb topping, and seasoning.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and seasonings.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional, useful if using freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  • Meat Thermometer: Important for checking chicken's internal temperature to ensure safe cooking.
  • Mixing Spoon or Whisk: Helps blend Caesar dressing, sour cream, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for any prep work or garnishing with parsley.
  • Broiler-Safe Baking Dish: Enables final crispy golden topping under broiler.

Making Ultimate Caesar Chicken Step By Step

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Dress the Chicken

Massage your chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whip together Caesar dressing and sour cream to create a creamy magic sauce. Spread half the mixture across the baking dish, nestle your chicken on top, then drench the meat with the remaining sauce.

  • Cheese and Crunch

Rain down parmesan and mozzarella over the chicken. Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Italian seasoning, then scatter this crispy treasure across the cheesy landscape.

  • Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken hits 165F. For an extra wow factor, blast it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.

  • Serve with Flair

Let the chicken rest for a quick 5 minutes. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve alongside pasta, roasted potatoes, or a zesty Caesar salad. Dinner is served!

Quick Tips For Ultimate Caesar Chicken

  • Flavor Boost: Add minced garlic or chopped fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the Caesar mixture for extra depth and aromatic intensity.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to create a keto-friendly crispy topping that maintains crunch and flavor.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners quick and effortless.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to ensure those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this delicious dish without compromising taste or texture.

Serving Style For Ultimate Caesar Chicken

  • Dinner Party Delight: Arrange the Caesar chicken on a large platter with fresh herbs scattered around, creating an elegant centerpiece that impresses guests instantly.
  • Weeknight Meal Companion: Pair with a quick microwave-steamed vegetable medley of broccoli, carrots, and green beans to add nutritional balance and color to the plate.
  • Low-Carb Lover's Option: Serve atop a bed of crisp mixed greens or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal that keeps the delicious Caesar flavors while reducing carbohydrate intake.
  • Family-Style Feast: Create a build-your-own station where family members can add extra cheese, drizzle additional Caesar dressing, or sprinkle fresh herbs to customize their chicken portion.

How To Store Ultimate Caesar Chicken Well

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Refrigeration Window: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy topping separate to maintain crunchiness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy texture, avoiding microwave which can make breadcrumbs soggy.
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Festive Cinnamon Roll King Cake Recipe

Festive Cinnamon Roll King Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

King cake lovers rejoice over this New Orleans cinnamon roll king cake that blends Mardi Gras tradition with sweet indulgence. Festive purple, green, and gold sugars crown this classic Louisiana dessert for memorable celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3.5 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1 packet (2.25 tsp) active dry yeast
  • 0.25 cups (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cups (60 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cups (120 ml) warm milk (110°F / 45°C)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cups (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 0.5 cups (100 g) brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1.5 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps milk
  • 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • Purple, green, and gold colored sugar (or sprinkles)
  • 1 small plastic baby (optional, for tradition!)

Instructions

  1. Yeast Activation: Whisk yeast into lukewarm milk, allowing the mixture to become frothy and aromatic for 5 minutes.
  2. Dough Preparation: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg. Gradually incorporate the activated yeast mixture, kneading until the dough transforms into a silky, elastic consistency.
  3. First Rising: Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel, letting it rest in a warm environment until its volume doubles, approximately 1 hour.
  4. Filling Creation: Blend softened butter with brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create a smooth, spreadable cinnamon filling.
  5. Dough Shaping: Roll the risen dough into a rectangular shape, spreading the cinnamon mixture evenly across the surface. Carefully roll the dough lengthwise into a tight cylinder, then form it into a circular or oval shape on a prepared baking sheet.
  6. Second Rising: Allow the shaped cake to become slightly puffy for 30 minutes, sealing the ends by pinching them together.
  7. Baking Process: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake until it achieves a golden-brown complexion, typically 25-30 minutes.
  8. Finishing Touches: Cool the cake completely, then prepare a glossy glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and decorate with purple, green, and gold sugars.
  9. Traditional Embellishment: Optionally, hide a small plastic baby within the cake to continue the cherished Mardi Gras tradition.

Notes

  • Master Yeast Activation: Ensure milk is precisely lukewarm (100-110°F) to activate yeast without killing it, creating the perfect frothy foundation.
  • Dough Elasticity Technique: Knead thoroughly until dough becomes smooth and stretchy, developing gluten for a soft, pillowy texture that springs back when touched.
  • Temperature Control Crucial: Proof dough in a consistently warm, draft-free environment around 80-85°F to guarantee optimal rising and prevent dense, heavy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain structural integrity and achieve similar soft, tender results.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 374
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 186 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 33 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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