Melt-In-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken is a simple yet incredible recipe combining tender chicken breasts marinated in Caesar dressing, garlic, and herbs, then baked to juicy perfection with a crispy Parmesan topping. This flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, offering a delicious twist on classic Caesar flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors infuse.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken Breasts: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the baking dish, spacing them apart to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of each chicken breast to add a savory crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For a crispier topping, switch your oven to broil for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender slices.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken to add color and fresh flavor.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and serve alongside lemon wedges to add a bright, zesty finish.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 15 minutes will enhance the flavor even more; up to 2 hours is ideal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- If you prefer dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
Keywords: Caesar chicken, baked chicken recipe, Parmesan chicken, easy chicken dinner, garlic chicken, healthy chicken recipe