Description
Crispy Caesar Chicken Breasts offers a flavorful twist on classic chicken breasts by coating them in a zesty Caesar dressing, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, this dish delivers a crispy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner served with your favorite sides.
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
Finishing
- 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.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is essential to ensure the coating adheres well to the surface of the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix the Caesar dressing with garlic powder. Dip each chicken breast into this mixture to coat evenly. Then, press each breast into the panko breadcrumbs combined with grated Parmesan cheese, making sure both sides are fully coated for maximum crunch and flavor.
- Add Olive Oil: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top of each breast. The olive oil helps achieve a golden, crispy crust while baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crisp.
- Optional Lemon Zest: Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken with fresh lemon zest to add a bright, citrusy note that complements the rich Caesar flavors.
- Serve: Pair the crispy Caesar chicken breasts with your choice of sides like steamed vegetables, pasta, or a green salad to create a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry is crucial for a crispy coating.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a refreshing brightness to the dish.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to prevent burning.
- The recipe can be doubled easily to serve more people.
