Baked Caesar Chicken

Baked Caesar Chicken

Baked Caesar Chicken is a mouth-watering dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic, lemon, and parmesan cheese with the crunch of a crispy chicken breast. This recipe is a twist on the classic Caesar salad, but instead of lettuce and croutons, it features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Caesar sauce and baked to perfection. The result is a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing, making it perfect for special occasions or weeknight meals. By using fresh and high-quality ingredients, you can elevate this recipe to new heights and create a dish that will impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Required Ingredients:

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, Dijon mustard, and paprika.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush the garlic- Caesar mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
4. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
5. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

* To make the homemade Caesar dressing, combine 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 cup grated parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
* To add some crunch to the dish, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the chicken breasts before baking.
* For a spicy twist, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the garlic-Caesar mixture.
* For a Mediterranean-inspired version, add some chopped olives and lemon slices to the garlic-Caesar mixture.
* To make the dish more substantial, serve the baked Caesar chicken with some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, and a side of quinoa or roasted potatoes.

By following these simple steps and experimenting with different ingredients, you can create a dish that is both delicious and unique. Bon appétit!

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