Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken: A Savory Spin on a Timeless Favorite
If you adore Caesar salad and have a hankering for the delightful crunch of crispy chicken, the Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe is essential. This dish merges the creamy, zesty flavor of Caesar dressing with the mouthwatering texture of golden-baked chicken, resulting in a meal that is both comforting and upscale. Best of all, it’s easy to whip up, making it ideal for hectic weeknights or informal gatherings.
What Is Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken?
Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken is a straightforward yet flavorful dish that showcases boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs enveloped in Caesar dressing and a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, then baked to perfection for a golden finish. The outcome is a succulent, tender chicken with a crunch that delivers a rich, savory flavor similar to a Caesar salad.
Prep and Cook Time
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
– Total Time: 30–35 minutes
– Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
– Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs provide lean protein and a delicate texture. Flattening them assures uniform cooking.
– Caesar Dressing: Serves as both a marinade and a flavor enhancer. It contributes creaminess and zest while aiding the breadcrumbs in sticking to the chicken.
– Breadcrumbs: You may choose plain, seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs. For a unique touch, consider crushed Caesar croutons.
– Parmesan Cheese: Parmigiano Reggiano lends a nutty, salty richness to the breadcrumb coating.
– Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a hint of cayenne introduce warmth and depth to the crust.
How to Make It
1. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of breadcrumbs with ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, and a dash of cayenne (if desired).
2. Coat the Chicken:
Submerge each piece of chicken in ½ cup Caesar dressing, shake off any excess, and press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly.
3. Bake:
Arrange the coated chicken on a rack set over a baking pan. Optionally mist with oil for additional crispiness. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
4. Serve:
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. It pairs excellently with a side salad, roasted veggies, or pasta.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
– Calories: 192
– Fat: 6.1g (Saturated: 1.4g)
– Cholesterol: 24mg
– Sodium: 354mg
– Carbohydrates: 22g (Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 4g)
– Protein: 13g
Make It a Meal: Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken Salad
Transform your Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken into a complete meal by slicing it and serving it atop a bed of romaine lettuce with traditional Caesar salad components. This version is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 lb crispy baked Caesar chicken, diced
– 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
– 1 cup croutons (gluten-free if necessary)
– ½ cup Caesar dressing
– ¼ cup grated or shredded Parmesan
– Freshly ground black pepper to taste
– ½ lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins
– Bacon bits
– Sun-dried tomatoes
– Avocados, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, mix the lettuce, croutons, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing.
2. Incorporate the sliced chicken and toss gently to combine.
3. Top with lemon slices and freshly ground pepper. Serve right away.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
– Calories: 367
– Fat: 1.1g (Saturated: 2.8g)
– Cholesterol: 324mg
– Sodium: 554mg
– Carbohydrates: 27g (Fiber: 4.2g, Sugars: 4g)
– Protein: 19g
Tips and Variations
– Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or croutons.
– Fry Instead of Bake: For a more indulgent version, pan-fry the chicken in oil until crispy.
– Make It Spicy: Increase the cayenne or add a splash of hot sauce to the Caesar dressing.
– Meal Prep Friendly: Bake a batch of chicken and store it in the fridge for salads and wraps throughout the week.
Conclusion
Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken is a delectable and