Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

Introduction

Are you looking for a delicious and juicy chicken recipe that will impress your family and friends? Look no further! This Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. It combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with tender and succulent chicken, topped with a creamy and cheesy Parmesan sauce. This recipe is easy to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Parmesan Sauce:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and toss them in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken and make it extra juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken breasts on a baking dish lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. To ensure they are cooked thoroughly, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 4: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked and slightly cooled, pour the Parmesan sauce over the top of each chicken breast. You can spread it evenly or leave it slightly drippy for a more rustic presentation.

Serve the Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Garnish with some extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and aesthetics.

Variations

This recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Grilled Caesar Chicken:

If you prefer the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, you can marinate the chicken as instructed and then grill it over medium heat until cooked through. Brush the chicken with the marinade while grilling for extra flavor.

Caesar Chicken Pasta:

Want to turn this dish into a complete meal? Cook some pasta according to the package instructions and toss it with the Parmesan sauce. Slice the baked chicken and serve it over the creamy pasta for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Tips

• For a healthier version, you can use light or low-fat Caesar dressing, reduced-fat mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• If you don’t have Caesar dressing on hand, you can make your own by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Feel free to add some extra ingredients to the marinade or the Parmesan sauce to enhance the flavor. Some options include minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and keep the chicken moist.

Conclusion

The Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce is a delightful and flavorful dish that will become a family favorite. The combination of the tangy Caesar marinade, tender chicken, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious and juicy chicken dinner!

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can definitely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may require a bit longer to cook through.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply follow the steps as instructed. The Parmesan sauce can also be prepared in advance and refrigerated until serving. Just make sure to reheat it gently before pouring it over the chicken.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven until heated through.