Print

Crispy Sheet Pan Caesar Chicken Recipe with Easy Parmesan Croutons

crispy sheet pan caesar chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pan meal combining crispy chicken thighs with homemade Parmesan croutons and classic Caesar dressing flavors. Perfect for weeknights or casual dinners, this recipe delivers a crunchy, savory, and tangy experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs (can substitute with breasts)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups day-old bread cubes (sourdough or French bread recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light or vegan mayo optional)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chopped parsley or basil, extra lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine bread cubes, melted butter, Parmesan, garlic powder, lemon zest, and a pinch of pepper. Toss until bread is evenly coated.
  4. Spread chicken thighs skin-side up on one half of a large rimmed sheet pan, leaving space between pieces. Spread Parmesan croutons in a single layer on the other half.
  5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken skin is golden and crispy and croutons are toasted and crunchy. Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. While baking, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Drizzle or toss chicken and croutons with Caesar dressing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra lemon wedges if desired.
  8. Optional: Broil chicken for last 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry before seasoning for best crispiness. Do not flip chicken during baking to maintain skin texture. Use day-old bread for croutons for optimal crunch. Broil for last 2-3 minutes if extra crispiness is desired. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking. Gluten-free bread can be used for croutons or omitted with nuts added for crunch. Dressing can be made ahead and stored separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: sheet pan chicken, Caesar chicken, Parmesan croutons, easy dinner, one-pan meal, crispy chicken, homemade Caesar dressing

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/crispy-sheet-pan-caesar-chicken-recipe-with-easy-parmesan-croutons/