Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:
For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
1 tablespoon butter (for extra flavor)
For the Caesar Coating:

1/2 cup (120g) Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs (for a little crisp)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts.
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, but not cooked through. You just want to develop a nice sear on the outside.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. It will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Prepare the Caesar Coating:

In a shallow bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until the mixture is well combined.
The mixture should be thick enough to spread, but if it seems too thin, add a little more panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan to thicken it.
4. Coat the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Spread the Caesar dressing mixture generously over each chicken breast, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Bake the Chicken:

Place the coated chicken breasts in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
The top of the chicken should be golden brown and slightly crispy from the Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
6. Finish and Serve:

Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside, making the chicken even more tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, if desired.
Serve with your favorite sides like roasted potatoes, vegetables, or a green salad.