Zesty Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Glaze – Page 2

How to Make Zesty Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Glaze

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, with just a few quick steps to achieve a flavorful, oven-baked meal. Let’s dive into the process!

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for the chicken.
Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning (if using). This will help to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken before adding the creamy Caesar glaze.
Coat the Chicken with Caesar Dressing: In a small bowl, mix the Caesar dressing, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Coat each chicken breast evenly with the dressing mixture, ensuring every surface is covered. The combination of the creamy dressing and Parmesan will add flavor and moisture to the chicken as it bakes.
Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through. The chicken should be golden and slightly crispy on the edges.

Make the Glaze: While the chicken is baking, prepare the Parmesan glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the heavy cream or milk and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Adjust the Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream or milk to achieve your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the chicken nicely.

Glaze the Chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Spoon the Parmesan glaze over each chicken breast, making sure it’s generously covered with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
Final Bake: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and slightly golden. This final step will give the chicken a beautiful finish and allow the glaze to set.
Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and serve hot. For an added touch, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Make It Creamier: If you want a creamier glaze, you can add a bit more heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to the glaze mixture. This will give it a richer, velvety texture.
Chicken Substitutes: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They will be a bit juicier and flavorful but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Customizing the Glaze: For extra flavor, you can add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or a pinch of smoked paprika to the Parmesan glaze for some added depth and spice.
Use Homemade Caesar Dressing: For a fresher, more customizable option, make your own Caesar dressing by blending mayonnaise, garlic, anchovies, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. It adds a personal touch to the dish!

Zesty Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Glaze is a hearty, satisfying main dish, but it pairs wonderfully with several side options:

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli make the perfect fresh and crunchy side to balance the creamy chicken.
Caesar Salad: For a complete Caesar experience, serve the chicken with a simple Caesar salad on the side. The crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing will complement the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread is always a hit and makes for the perfect dipping companion to the creamy Parmesan glaze.
Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Serve the chicken with mashed potatoes or a side of fluffy rice to soak up the extra glaze and complete the meal.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them for later:

Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: When reheating, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but be careful not to overheat the chicken and dry it out. If the glaze has thickened, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up.