Baked Caesar Chicken

Delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering Baked Caesar Chicken recipe. Made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Caesar salad dressing, and sour cream, this quick and easy dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and ready in just 30 minutes!

Growing up, Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house were always a grand affair. The whole family would gather around her big wooden table, eagerly waiting to see what culinary delight she had prepared. One dish that stood out was her Baked Caesar Chicken. The aroma of cheese and spices wafting through the air as she pulled it out of the oven was simply irresistible. The first bite was always a revelation – juicy chicken enveloped in a creamy, tangy sauce that made everyone ask for seconds. Over the years, I’ve tweaked her recipe to make it even easier without losing that nostalgic flavor. Now, it’s a staple in my home, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick but satisfying meal. Whenever I make it, I’m transported back to those cozy Sunday dinners, filled with laughter, love, and the delicious taste of home.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Minimal Ingredients: Only four main ingredients are needed, making it both simple and budget-friendly.
• Flavorful: The combination of Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Creamy Texture: The sour cream adds an optional but delightful creaminess that enhances the dish.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients Notes For This Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe

Creating a delicious Baked Caesar Chicken starts with understanding the key ingredients that make it so special. Each component plays a vital role in bringing out the best flavors and textures in this dish. Here’s a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These provide a lean source of protein and cook evenly, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: This adds a rich, savory flavor and a slightly nutty undertone that complements the Caesar dressing perfectly.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Just a small amount goes a long way in adding a subtle kick and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Caesar Salad Dressing: The star of the show, this dressing brings a creamy, tangy, and slightly garlicky taste that makes the chicken irresistibly delicious.
• Sour Cream (Optional): For an extra layer of creaminess, sour cream can be mixed with the Caesar dressing, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.

Recipe Steps To Make The Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe

Creating this delicious Baked Caesar Chicken is a breeze, thanks to its simple steps and easy-to-follow instructions. Here’s how you can whip up this delightful dish in no time:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray an 8×11½-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick, making cleanup a cinch.
2. Pound the Chicken: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, place them in a Ziplock bag on a flat surface and use a meat pounder to even them out to about ¾-1 inch thickness. This helps them cook uniformly and remain juicy.
3. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and all of the freshly ground black pepper. This step infuses the chicken with a deliciously cheesy and peppery flavor.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing and sour cream (if using). This creates a creamy, tangy sauce that will coat the chicken beautifully. Pour this mixture over each chicken breast in the baking dish.
5. Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken breasts. This will create a golden, crispy layer as it bakes.
6. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 150°F (65°C).
7. Broil for Crispiness: Turn the oven to broil and broil the chicken for an additional 2-4 minutes until the tops turn golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when done.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy!

Storage Options

Storing your delicious Baked Caesar Chicken properly ensures you can enjoy leftovers that taste just as good as the first bite. Here are the best storage options:

• Refrigeration: Place the cooled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or Ziplock bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
• Meal Prep: Slice the chicken and portion it into meal prep containers with your favorite sides for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this Baked Caesar Chicken recipe allows you to make several delicious variations and substitutions to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Different Cheeses: Swap the Parmesan for Asiago, Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a new flavor profile.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed option that still delivers creaminess.
• Herbs and Spices: Add dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the Caesar dressing mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful result. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with thick slices of cauliflower or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist on this classic recipe. Adjust baking time accordingly.

These variations ensure you can customize the Baked Caesar Chicken to your liking, making it a versatile dish that can fit into any meal plan. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite version!