Baked Chicken Caesar Recipe

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## **Instructions:**

### 1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
– Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**.
– Place the **chicken breasts** on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with **olive oil** and season both sides with **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **paprika**, **salt**, and **pepper**.
– Bake the chicken for **25-30 minutes** or until the internal temperature reaches **165°F (74°C)** and the chicken is cooked through. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

### 2. **Prepare the Salad:**
– While the chicken is baking, prepare the **romaine lettuce** by washing and chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Place it in a large salad bowl.
– Add the **Caesar dressing** to the lettuce and toss gently to coat all the leaves evenly.

### 3. **Assemble the Dish:**
– Once the chicken has rested, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
– Place the sliced chicken on top of the dressed lettuce in the salad bowl.
– Sprinkle with **shredded Parmesan cheese** and toss again gently.
– Top with **croutons** for an extra crunch (optional) and garnish with **chopped fresh parsley** for a pop of color.

### 4. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Serve your **Baked Chicken Caesar** immediately as a main dish. Enjoy the perfect balance of creamy Caesar dressing, savory chicken, and fresh greens all in one!

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## **Why This Recipe is a Winner:**

1. **Quick and Convenient:** No need for grilling or frying—just bake the chicken and assemble the salad. It’s a perfect weeknight meal for when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and filling.

2. **A Full Meal in One:** This dish combines protein, veggies, and a creamy dressing, making it a well-rounded, satisfying meal. It’s hearty enough to be the main dish, yet light enough for a delicious, healthy option.

3. **Customizable to Your Taste:** Want to add some extra flair? You can easily modify this recipe by adding **avocado slices**, **bacon bits**, or even **grilled vegetables**. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or toppings to make it your own.

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## **Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Caesar:**

– **Chicken Tips:** If you prefer juicy chicken, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite seasonings for an hour before baking. This will infuse extra flavor and moisture into the meat.

– **Homemade Caesar Dressing:** While store-bought Caesar dressing is convenient, homemade dressing can elevate this dish even further. You can easily make a simple Caesar dressing by combining mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste (optional), and grated Parmesan.

– **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this dish gluten-free, simply skip the croutons or opt for gluten-free bread when making homemade croutons.

– **Storage Tips:** If you have leftovers, store the chicken and salad separately to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. The chicken will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

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## **Serving Suggestions:**

– **With a Side of Garlic Bread:** If you’re craving a carb boost, serve the Baked Chicken Caesar with some crispy **garlic bread** or **breadsticks**. This makes for a more traditional Caesar meal.
– **With Roasted Veggies:** Pair your salad with a side of **roasted vegetables**, such as **broccoli**, **asparagus**, or **brussels sprouts**, for added nutrition and flavor.
– **In Wraps:** For a fun variation, you can turn this into a wrap by adding the salad and chicken into a large **whole wheat or spinach wrap** for a portable lunch or dinner option.

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## **Conclusion:**

This **Baked Chicken Caesar** recipe is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad. It’s quick, flavorful, and packed with protein, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy nights or when you’re craving something light but satisfying. With the perfect balance of crispy chicken, creamy dressing, and fresh greens, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, you’re sure to love this hearty and delicious dish!