Description
Caesar-marinated chicken brings classic Italian-American flavors to your dinner table, elevating simple poultry with creamy, zesty seasonings. Crisp romaine, parmesan shavings, and tangy dressing create a perfect blend that turns an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
Seasonings and Coating:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray.
- Massage chicken breasts with a blend of salt, freshly ground pepper, and aromatic garlic powder, ensuring comprehensive seasoning on all surfaces.
- Create a luxurious Caesar sauce by whisking together creamy Caesar dressing and tangy sour cream until smooth and well-integrated.
- Spread half of the decadent Caesar mixture across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation for the chicken.
- Carefully nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the prepared dish, then lavishly drape the remaining Caesar mixture over the top, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously shower the chicken with a harmonious blend of sharp parmesan and melty mozzarella cheeses, creating a rich and inviting layer.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining panko breadcrumbs with fragrant Italian seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated and glistening.
- Delicately scatter the seasoned breadcrumb mixture over the cheese-topped chicken, promising a golden and crunchy exterior.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- For an additional touch of culinary brilliance, activate the broiler and cook for 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly bronzed and crispy surface.
- Allow the dish to rest and settle for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and intensify the flavors.
- Elevate the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra parmesan cheese.
- Serve alongside complementary sides like al dente pasta, herb-roasted potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Swap out regular Caesar dressing for lighter, yogurt-based versions to reduce calories and fat content.
- Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed almond flour or gluten-free panko for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful option that stays juicier during baking.
- Select high-quality parmesan and fresh mozzarella for maximum flavor complexity and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg