Can I substitute the mayonnaise in this recipe?

Yes. Greek yogurt is a solid lower-fat swap that keeps the sauce creamy. The texture will be slightly thinner and the flavor a bit tangier, but it works well and keeps the dish high in protein.

Why did my baked Caesar chicken turn out dry?

The most likely cause is overbaking. Always use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165 degrees F internally. Very thick breasts should be pounded to an even thickness before baking so the entire piece cooks at the same rate.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

The Caesar Parmesan sauce can be mixed up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Season the chicken and have the baking dish ready to go. When it's time for dinner, spread the sauce over the chicken and bake. It saves meaningful prep time on busy nights.

Is this recipe really gluten-free?

Yes, as written this recipe is gluten-free. Just double-check the label on your Caesar dressing to confirm it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients, as some brands vary.

Easy Baked Caesar Chicken with Irresistible Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Name: Baked Caesar Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred; 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Baked Caesar Chicken

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Tender chicken breasts baked under a creamy Parmesan Caesar sauce and finished with melted mozzarella. Gluten-free, high protein, and ready in 35 minutes.

Author: Sarah Mae Carter
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated preferred
2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Pat chicken breasts completely dry and place in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
Spread the Caesar Parmesan mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering the entire surface.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Remove from oven, drizzle heavy cream over the chicken, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes until mozzarella is fully melted and bubbling.
Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

Notes

Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Caesar dressing for 30 minutes before baking.
For a crispier golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Always verify gluten-free status by checking the label on your Caesar dressing, as brands vary.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 145 mg

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/baked-caesar-chicken/