Melt In Your Mouth Caesar Chicken
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they are golden brown. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix the Caesar dressing with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside the remaining cheese for later.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the Caesar dressing mixture evenly over the chicken.
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top for added crunch.
7. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be bubbly and golden brown.
8. Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.