3-Ingredient Baked Caesar Chicken
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Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? This 3-Ingredient Baked Caesar Chicken is perfect for you! It’s super easy to make and takes less than 30 minutes. You only need chicken breasts, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese to create this delicious meal.
You’ll love how the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful. The Caesar dressing adds a tangy kick, while the Parmesan cheese forms a crispy crust on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Each breast should be about 1/2 pound. If you can’t find boneless breasts, you can use bone-in and adjust the cooking time.
The creamy Caesar dressing is key. You’ll use 1 cup. Try to pick a high-quality brand for the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could use Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and anchovy paste.
For the cheese, you need 2 ounces of finely grated Parmesan. This is about 1/2 cup. Pre-grated works, but freshly grated tastes better. Romano cheese can work as a substitute.
Optional: 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for garnish. You can skip this or use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available.
Here’s a quick substitution guide:
- Chicken: Thighs or tenderloins
- Caesar dressing: Homemade or Greek yogurt mixture
- Parmesan: Romano or Pecorino
- Parsley: Dried herbs or omit
Remember, the beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Stick to these basic ingredients for the best results.
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Place a rack in the middle.
Pound each chicken breast to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a zip-top bag and a rolling pin or meat mallet for this step.
Pour the Caesar dressing into a baking dish. Add the chicken breasts and flip them to coat evenly.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden-brown. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
While the chicken cooks, grate the Parmesan cheese. Chop the parsley if you’re using it.
Turn on the broiler. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the chicken. Broil for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts and browns slightly.
Garnish with parsley if desired. Your 3-ingredient baked Caesar chicken is now ready to serve!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Make sure your chicken is dry before coating it. Pat it with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the dressing stick better.
For extra flavor, add some minced garlic or Italian herbs to the Caesar dressing before coating the chicken.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F at the thickest part. This keeps it juicy and tender.
Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to spread, making every bite tasty.
To store leftovers, put them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 3-4 days.
When reheating, use the oven or microwave. Cover the chicken to keep it moist. Heat until it’s warm all the way through.
For a crispy top, broil the chicken for 2-4 minutes at the end of cooking. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
Try different types of hard cheese instead of Parmesan. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work well too.
