Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further! This Baked Chicken Caesar recipe is your answer. It's a healthier twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy baked chicken with a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing and all the crisp romaine lettuce you can handle. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough for a dinner party. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this delicious and satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and rub the spice mixture all over them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Making the Caesar Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified and creamy.
Assembling the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and croutons.
- Add the sliced baked chicken to the salad.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken spice rub or the Caesar dressing.
- Add some crunch: Include chopped walnuts or pecans in your salad.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted vegetables.
- Homemade croutons: Cube stale bread, toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Baked Chicken Caesar recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elegant occasion. The homemade Caesar dressing adds a touch of luxury, and the baked chicken is both healthy and delicious. Enjoy!