Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients (Quantities):

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 4 (about 1.5 lbs)
• Caesar dressing: ½ cup (store-bought or homemade)
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and black pepper: to taste
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon

For the Parmesan Sauce:

• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced): 3 cloves
• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan cheese (grated): ¾ cup
• Dijon mustard: 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
• Salt and black pepper: to taste
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Optional Ingredients:

• Croutons: for serving, for added crunch
• Additional Parmesan cheese: for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts, Caesar dressing, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well-coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for more flavor).

2. Bake the Chicken:

• Place the marinated chicken in a greased baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest.

3. Prepare the Parmesan Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

• Slice the baked chicken and serve it drizzled with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with croutons on the side.

Tips for Success:

• Adjust the sauce thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more cream or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy.
• Experiment with flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat or switch up the cheese with a blend of your favorites.

Recommendations:

• Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh garden salad.
• Serve with a crusty loaf of bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 850mg

Enjoy this Juicy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce—a rich and flavorful dish that brings a taste of the classic Caesar salad to your dinner table!