- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Make the Caesar Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the Caesar mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you prefer a golden brown top, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Thickness: For even cooking, ensure the chicken breasts are of similar thickness. If needed, pound the thicker parts of the chicken to make them uniform.
- Dressing: Use a high-quality Caesar dressing for the best flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade Caesar dressing.
- Crispy Topping: The breadcrumbs are optional but add a nice crunch to the dish. You can also mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling for extra flavor.
Variations:
- Cheese: Try adding shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese on top of the chicken for an extra cheesy version.
- Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the Caesar mixture for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- This dish also pairs well with pasta, rice, or a light quinoa salad.
Storage:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Freezing:
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, assemble the chicken with the Caesar mixture but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
This Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken is a surefire hit with its creamy, tangy Caesar dressing and tender, juicy chicken. It’s quick to prepare and delivers incredible flavor, making it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish!