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Crispy Sheet Pan Chicken Caesar Recipe Easy Homemade with Parmesan and Capers

crispy sheet pan chicken caesar - featured image

A quick and easy sheet pan recipe featuring crispy chicken thighs with Parmesan and capers, served over a fresh Caesar salad. Perfect for a flavorful, fuss-free weeknight meal with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (organic or free-range preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons drained capers
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/3 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well coated.
  4. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up on a rimmed sheet pan or on a wire rack placed over the sheet pan, spacing them apart to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken thighs.
  6. Scatter the drained capers around the chicken on the pan.
  7. Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes. Optionally, baste the chicken lightly with pan juices about 20 minutes into cooking.
  8. For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. While the chicken cooks, chop the romaine lettuce and toss it with Caesar dressing in a large bowl. Keep chilled until serving.
  10. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to seal in the juices.
  11. Serve the chicken thighs whole or sliced atop the dressed romaine lettuce.
  12. Garnish with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of black pepper, and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken skin dry thoroughly for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Watch carefully during broiling to avoid burning Parmesan. Let chicken rest after cooking to seal in juices. For dairy-free or vegan options, substitute Parmesan and Caesar dressing accordingly. Chicken breasts can be used but reduce roasting time to 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chicken, sheet pan chicken, chicken Caesar, Parmesan chicken, capers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, one pan recipe