Description
Crispy Caesar Chicken Breasts are tender, juicy chicken breasts coated with a flavorful blend of Caesar dressing, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then oven-baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and crispy textures, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Additional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh citrusy note)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier crust.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the Caesar dressing with garlic powder. Dip each chicken breast into this mixture, ensuring full, even coverage. Then dip the chicken into a separate mixture of panko breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan cheese, pressing gently to firmly coat both sides.
- Add Olive Oil: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the top of the chicken to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Optional Lemon Zest: Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken with fresh lemon zest to add a bright, citrusy flavor that enhances the rich Caesar and cheese notes.
- Serve: Serve your crispy Caesar chicken breasts alongside steamed vegetables, pasta, or a fresh green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs as they provide a lighter, crunchier texture.
- You can substitute Caesar dressing with a homemade version for a fresher taste.
- Ensure chicken breasts are uniform in thickness for even cooking; you may pound thicker breasts if needed.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a nice touch of brightness to balance the richness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
