Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken
Tender baked chicken breasts coated in Caesar dressing and Parmesan for a quick, flavorful weeknight main.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup Caesar salad dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray an 8×11½-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- If the chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, place each between sheets of plastic and pound to an even 3/4–1 inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 cup of the grated Parmesan and the black pepper, then arrange the breasts in the prepared baking pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing and the sour cream (if using) until smooth.
- Pour or spoon the dressing mixture evenly over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan over the top.
- Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 150°F.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil the chicken 2–4 minutes until golden brown, watching closely to avoid burning; final internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let the chicken rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Equipment
- 8×11½-inch baking pan
- nonstick cooking spray
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small bowl and whisk
- instant-read meat thermometer
- Aluminum Foil
Notes
- Let chicken rest to finish cooking and retain juices.
- Use room-temperature sour cream for a smoother dressing if using.
- Watch closely while broiling to prevent burning.
- Pound breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.