1. To ensure even cooking and a juicy, tender texture, it’s important to take a few extra steps when preparing the chicken. First, preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, use a meat pounder to gently pound them to an even 3/4 to 1 inch thickness. This will help the chicken cook evenly throughout.

2. Next, season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Place the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish, ready for the next step.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing and sour cream until well combined. Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken breasts, taking care to spread it evenly to coat each piece. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce, giving the dish an extra cheesy finish.

4. Now that the chicken is prepped and the sauce is ready, it’s time to bake! Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let the chicken bake for 20 minutes. While the chicken is in the oven, take a moment to prepare the crunchy breadcrumb topping.

5. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the crushed panko breadcrumbs or croutons. You can also add a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, black pepper, or even garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

6. After the chicken has baked for 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

7. To finish, switch the oven to the broil setting and let the chicken broil for about 2 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent burning.

8. Once the chicken is out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This resting period is crucial to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring your Baked Caesar Chicken is moist and flavorful in every bite.

9. When ready to serve, simply plate the chicken and spoon any extra creamy Parmesan sauce from the baking dish over the top. Pair this delightful dish with your favorite sides, such as a fresh Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery garlic bread, for a complete and satisfying meal.