Simple & Flavorful Easy Caesar Chicken Bake (Keto, Low-Carb & Quick Meal!)
Whip up a delicious and satisfying dinner with this incredibly Simple & Flavorful Easy Caesar Chicken Bake! Tender chicken thighs are coated in a rich Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese, then baked until juicy and golden. It’s a fantastic low-carb, high-protein, and gluten-free meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total)
- 1 (16-ounce) bottle Caesar salad dressing (***KETO NOTE: Choose a low-carb, sugar-free Caesar dressing; check labels carefully!***)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided (freshly shredded recommended)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for extra seasoning)
- Cooking spray (for casserole dish)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared casserole dish.
- Prepare Caesar-Parmesan Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the entire bottle of Caesar salad dressing and ¾ cup of the shredded Parmesan cheese.
- If desired, add optional garlic powder and black pepper to the dressing mixture and whisk well.
- Coat & Bake: Pour the Caesar-Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the casserole dish, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C), tender, and the topping is lightly golden and bubbly. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this easy and flavorful Caesar Chicken!
Tips for Success:
- Crucial: Keto-Friendly Caesar Dressing: This is the most important ingredient for keto compliance. Many commercial Caesar dressings contain added sugars and unhealthy oils. Look for brands specifically labeled “keto,” “sugar-free,” or “low-carb,” and check the nutrition label for net carbs per serving. Hidden Valley Keto Friendly Caesar is a good option.
- Pat Chicken Dry: This helps the sauce adhere better to the chicken.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, but avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
- Shredded Parmesan: Freshly shredded Parmesan melts and browns better than pre-shredded.
- Serving Suggestions: This chicken is excellent served with a simple green salad (with a keto-friendly dressing), roasted broccoli, or cauliflower rice.
Storage: Store any leftover Easy Caesar Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
- High Protein: Yes, from the chicken and Parmesan cheese.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb, but its compliance hinges entirely on the Caesar salad dressing choice.
- Keto: Potentially, but requires crucial ingredient selection for the Caesar salad dressing.
- Caesar Salad Dressing: This is the single most critical ingredient for keto compliance. Most conventional Caesar dressings contain sugar, maltodextrin, and non-keto oils (like soybean oil). Users must select a specifically low-carb, sugar-free, or keto-friendly brand.
- Chicken/Parmesan: Naturally keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided the Caesar salad dressing is certified gluten-free.
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