The perfect solution for a crispy chicken craving without the deep fryer, these Baked Caesar Chicken Strips are coated in a savory blend of Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs. The result is a golden crust that’s full of flavor and crunch, locking in tender, juicy chicken inside.
They’re an ideal weeknight dinner option—quick to prepare, oven-baked for a healthier twist, and incredibly versatile. Serve them with a simple salad, your favorite dipping sauce, or nestle them into wraps or sandwiches. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or need a satisfying meal in a hurry, these crispy chicken strips are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
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1/2 cup Caesar dressing
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Place the chicken strips in a bowl and toss with Caesar dressing until well coated.
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In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Press each chicken strip into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly.
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Lay the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Garnish with parsley if desired and serve with extra Caesar dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
When it comes to comfort food with a modern twist, few recipes hit the mark quite like Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken Strips. This dish combines the crowd-pleasing crunch of chicken tenders with the bold, tangy flavor of Caesar dressing, all while skipping the fryer in favor of a healthier oven-baked approach. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, looking for a protein-packed weeknight meal, or preparing finger food for a casual get-together, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and convenience.
A Modern Take on a Classic Flavor
The inspiration for this recipe comes directly from the iconic Caesar salad. Originally created in the 1920s by Italian-American chef Caesar Cardini, the dressing became a staple of American cuisine thanks to its rich, garlicky, umami-packed profile. Over time, chefs and home cooks alike found ways to extend this flavor beyond the salad bowl. From grilled Caesar chicken to wraps and even pasta, the bold seasoning of Caesar dressing has proven to be incredibly versatile.
Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken Strips are a natural evolution of this trend. They marry the creamy, savory punch of Caesar dressing with the crisp texture of breaded chicken tenders. And the result? A delicious fusion of familiar comfort food and gourmet-level flavor that’s perfect for both everyday meals and entertaining.
Why Baked Is Better
Unlike traditional fried chicken tenders, these are baked in the oven, making them lighter and more heart-healthy. Panko breadcrumbs—known for their airy, flaky texture—are mixed with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder, forming a crispy crust that browns beautifully under heat. The Caesar dressing acts as both a marinade and adhesive for the coating, locking in moisture and creating layers of flavor without needing added oils.
Health benefits of baking over frying:
- Lower in calories and saturated fats
- No need for frying oils, making cleanup easier
- More heart-friendly and less greasy
- Retains more of the natural nutrients of the chicken
This recipe is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice texture or flavor to eat well.
Perfect for Families and Busy Weeknights
One of the best aspects of these chicken strips is how quick and easy they are to prepare. With just a handful of common pantry ingredients—Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and chicken—you can whip up a delicious, satisfying dinner in about 30 minutes.
Why families love it:
- Kid-friendly texture and flavor
- Minimal prep and hands-off baking
- Perfect for lunchboxes, dinner, or snacks
- Pairs well with multiple sides and dips
These chicken tenders are also a great gateway for picky eaters to try new flavors. The familiar crunch and mild chicken are balanced with just enough tang from the Caesar dressing to introduce something new—without going overboard.
Versatility in Every Bite
Not only are these Caesar chicken strips great on their own, but they also work beautifully in a wide range of dishes. Want to take your Caesar salad up a notch? Slice the strips and layer them on top. Looking for a protein-packed wrap or sandwich? These are perfect inside a pita with lettuce and tomatoes. Hosting a party? Cut them into bite-size chunks and serve with a toothpick and dip.
Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic aioli, Caesar dressing, or ranch.
- Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Make them into sliders with brioche buns and a slaw topping.
- Toss into a grain bowl with quinoa, arugula, and roasted chickpeas.
This flexibility makes the recipe a smart addition to any weekly meal plan, especially for home cooks looking to stretch ingredients across multiple meals.
Nutritional Highlights
Aside from the lower fat content that comes from baking, this recipe also offers:
- High protein content from lean chicken breast
- Calcium boost from Parmesan cheese
- Lower sodium if you opt for reduced-sodium Caesar dressing
- Balanced macronutrients, making it ideal for post-workout meals or high-protein diets
For even healthier versions, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs, or make your own Caesar-style marinade with Greek yogurt instead of traditional dressing.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Friendly
Busy schedules demand recipes that are not only quick to make but also easy to reheat and repurpose. These baked Caesar chicken strips store wonderfully in the fridge and maintain their texture when reheated in the oven or air fryer.
Storage tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, use a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crisp.
- You can freeze uncooked breaded strips and bake them directly from frozen—just add 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
This makes them an excellent choice for meal prepping or for families who like to batch-cook on weekends.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
There are countless chicken tender recipes out there, but this one offers a standout combination of flavor, crunch, and convenience. The Caesar dressing acts as more than just seasoning—it penetrates the chicken to tenderize and flavor it from the inside, while the crust stays crispy and cheesy on the outside. It’s a multi-layered flavor experience that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques.
Other standout benefits include:
- No deep fryer required
- Easily scalable for crowds or smaller servings
- Customizable for dietary needs
- Delicious hot or cold
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—leave space between each strip for even browning.
- Flip halfway through baking to ensure a golden crust on both sides.
- Line your baking tray with parchment paper or use a wire rack for extra crispness.
For an extra-crispy crust, you can spray the chicken strips lightly with cooking spray before baking.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Repeating
Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned pro, these Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken Strips are a recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your collection. They’re fast, flavorful, and versatile enough to suit nearly any mealtime need. Best of all, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent taste and wholesome preparation—giving you the flavor of takeout with the nutrition and satisfaction of a home-cooked meal.
From quick weeknight dinners to game-day appetizers or picnic-ready lunches, this recipe has you covered. It’s a simple yet delicious solution that’s guaranteed to win over everyone at the table.