Baked Caesar Chicken

• servings: 6 servings
• active time: 15 minutes
• total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main attraction, tender and juicy when baked.

1 cup Caesar dressing: The creamy, tangy base for your flavorful sauce.

1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty taste that pairs perfectly with the Caesar dressing.

Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream: For an extra layer of creaminess and a hint of tang.

Ingredient Notes & Tips

Chicken Breasts: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer—they’re more forgiving and even juicier.

Caesar Dressing: Choose your favorite brand, or make your own for a special touch. The dressing is key to the dish’s flavor, so pick one you really love.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan offers better melting and a bolder flavor than pre-grated versions. It's worth the extra effort!

Directions

Preheat to 375°F (190°C): Start by heating your oven and lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Pound the chicken: To ensure even cooking and added tenderness, use a meat pounder to flatten the chicken breasts to about 1-inch thickness.

Season the chicken: Generously season each chicken breast with salt and pepper. This is the foundation of your flavor layers.

Combine the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the Caesar dressing and sour cream (if using). The sour cream adds extra creaminess and a slight tang, making the sauce even richer.

Layer with Parmesan: Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Top each one with about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, creating the first layer of cheesy goodness.

Add the sauce: Pour the Caesar dressing mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top for a golden, crispy finish.

Bake: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). The sauce will bubble, and the Parmesan will form a deliciously crispy crust.

Garnish and serve: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp arugula salad, or some garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce.