Description
Caesar chicken creates a delightful fusion of creamy, zesty flavors that elevate weeknight dinner. Crispy parmesan coating and tender chicken merge perfectly, promising a restaurant-quality meal that delivers pure comfort and satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Caesar Coating:
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup caesar salad dressing
- 0.25 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (for juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels, ensuring a crisp coating will adhere properly.
- Season chicken thoroughly with salt and black pepper, creating a foundational flavor base for the dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine grated parmesan, caesar dressing, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and garlic powder, whisking until a cohesive, textured mixture forms.
- Crush minced garlic and squeeze fresh lemon juice into the coating mixture, stirring to distribute the bright, zesty flavors evenly.
- Generously coat each chicken breast with the caesar mixture, pressing firmly to help the coating adhere and create a dense, flavorful crust.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not touching for even heat circulation.
- Drizzle remaining olive oil over the chicken to enhance browning and add a subtle richness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating turns golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Adjust caesar dressing consistency by adding extra breadcrumbs if mixture seems too wet, ensuring a perfectly crisp coating that adheres smoothly to chicken.
- Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the recipe’s delightful crunch and flavor profile.
- Enhance protein variety by substituting chicken breasts with thighs or turkey cutlets, which offer similar cooking techniques and comparable moisture retention.
- Maximize flavor complexity by experimenting with different parmesan cheese types, such as aged or reggiano, to introduce subtle nutty undertones to the dish’s overall taste experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg