Preheat your oven to 375°F. This is an essential first step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. A properly preheated oven helps achieve that perfect golden brown top.
In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, salt, and black pepper together. This seasoning blend is what makes the chicken pop with flavor. Don’t be shy—really rub this mixture onto both sides of each chicken breast.
Now, place the seasoned chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure they lay flat and have enough space around them. This helps with even cooking.
Sprinkle ½ cup of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken. This cheesy layer will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping.
In another small bowl, whisk the Caesar dressing and lemon juice together. Pour this mixture over the cheese and chicken. The dressing will soak into the chicken, infusing it with flavor.
Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top. This will create a beautiful crust as it bakes, adding flavor and texture.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. An instant thermometer is a great tool for this.
For that golden, toasty cheese topping, broil the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes just before you take it out. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! This step adds a beautiful finish.
Once out of the oven, let the chicken cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
