Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay even juicier than breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly - thighs typically take a bit longer to cook through, so use your meat thermometer to confirm doneness at 165°F.

What if I don't have fresh Parmesan?

While fresh is definitely best for this recipe, you can use pre-grated Parmesan in a pinch. The texture and melt won't be quite the same, but you'll still get good flavor. Avoid the shelf-stable powdered kind if possible, as it won't create the same golden crust.

Can I make this recipe lighter or lower in calories?

Yes! Try using light Caesar dressing and reduced-fat sour cream to cut some calories without sacrificing too much flavor. You could also reduce the amount of Parmesan on top and compensate with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with a smaller amount of cheese.

My chicken seems to be cooking unevenly - what am I doing wrong?

The most common cause is uneven thickness in your chicken breasts. Don't skip the pounding step! Even just a few minutes spent evening out the thickness of your chicken breasts will result in much more evenly cooked, juicy chicken throughout.

Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe

Description

This Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken is a quick and easy main course featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese, baked until golden brown and irresistibly delicious. With minimal prep and bold flavors, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Sauce
1 cup Caesar salad dressing
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature (optional)
Garnish (optional)
Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the inside of a 8×11½-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Pound the Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, place them inside a Ziplock bag on a flat surface. Use a meat pounder to gently pound them to an even thickness of ¾ to 1 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with 1 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese and all the black pepper, ensuring even coverage. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar salad dressing and sour cream (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the Caesar/sour cream mixture evenly over each chicken breast, making sure they are fully coated. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chicken breast reads 150°F (65°C).
Broil for Golden Finish: Turn the oven to the broil setting and broil the chicken breasts for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the tops turn golden brown. Watch the chicken closely as it can brown quickly. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and loosely cover with foil. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
Garnish and Enjoy: If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
You can freeze baked Caesar chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For extra flavor, use freshly ground black pepper and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Sour cream adds creaminess, but you can omit it if preferred.
Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and maximum tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 1030mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 48g
Cholesterol: 145mg

Description

Ingredients

Chicken

Sauce

Garnish (optional)

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition