Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken: A Beginner’s Path to Culinary Delight
Tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy Caesar sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese. A simple and flavorful dish perfect for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Beginner Note: Preheating the oven ensures even cooking and consistent results. Greasing the dish prevents the chicken from sticking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated for a smooth and creamy sauce. Beginner Note: Ensure the sauce is well mixed for even flavor distribution. A smooth sauce will coat the chicken evenly.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish in a single layer. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper. This enhances the chicken’s natural flavor. Beginner Note: Seasoning the chicken enhances its flavor. Light seasoning allows the Caesar sauce to shine.
- Spread the Sauce: Spread the Caesar mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering completely. Ensure each chicken breast is fully coated to keep it moist during baking. Beginner Note: Ensure the chicken is fully covered with the sauce to keep it moist and infuse it with flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). If you want a golden top, turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Broiling adds a nice golden crust and crispy texture. Beginner Note: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Broiling adds a nice golden crust and enhances the visual appeal.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot. Letting the chicken rest allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat. Beginner Note: Letting the chicken rest allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat. Garnish adds a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Let chicken rest before serving.