Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often stay even juicier than breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly—thighs may take slightly less time depending on their size.

What if I don't have sour cream on hand?

No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream, or simply omit it entirely. The dish will still be delicious—just slightly tangier without the mellowing effect of the sour cream.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, and you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when the chicken is done without a meat thermometer?

If you don't have a thermometer, cook until the juices run clear when the chicken is pierced with a fork. The chicken should feel firm but still have a slight give when pressed in the thickest part, and the internal color should be white without any pink.

Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe

Description

This “Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken” is a creamy, cheesy, and delicious main course that is sure to impress! The tender chicken breasts are coated in a rich Caesar dressing, topped with Parmesan cheese, and baked to golden perfection. Quick to prepare, this meal is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

1 cup Caesar salad dressing
1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×11½-inch baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
If the chicken breasts are of uneven thickness, place them in a Ziplock bag on a flat surface and pound them to a uniform thickness of ¾-1 inch using a meat pounder. This will ensure even cooking.
Season the Chicken:
Generously sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the freshly ground black pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar salad dressing and sour cream until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they’re fully coated. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Test the doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one of the middle breasts – it should read 150°F.
Broil to Perfection:
Turn the oven to the broil setting and broil the chicken for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on it as it can burn quickly. The internal temperature should now reach 165°F.
Rest and Serve:
Remove the chicken from the oven and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for added freshness.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Tip: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Sour Cream Option: The sour cream is optional but adds extra creaminess. You can leave it out if you prefer a lighter dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 890
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 20
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 130