Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Step 3: (Optional) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn lightly golden. This helps lock in flavor.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning until smooth.
5. Step 5: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken.
6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to brown the top slightly.
7. Step 7: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then slice and serve with the sauce, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use low-fat cream and Parmesan for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
• Add a handful of cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added texture and taste.
• Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid curdling the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream or milk when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. They may require a slightly longer baking time due to higher fat content and thickness.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing is optional but recommended for extra flavor and a nice golden crust. You can bake without searing if you’re short on time.

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection in a rich, flavorful Parmesan cream sauce. The recipe combines classic Caesar flavors with a creamy texture, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a special dinner option. Garnished with fresh parsley, it offers a beautiful presentation and irresistible taste.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika

Parmesan Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each breast evenly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to enhance flavor.
3. Sear Chicken (Optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. This step adds extra flavor and texture but can be skipped if preferred.
4. Make Parmesan Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
5. Assemble for Baking: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the top of each piece of chicken.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken breasts, serve them with the creamy sauce from the baking dish, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

• For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.
• Searing the chicken before baking is optional but adds a delicious golden crust and depth of flavor.
• You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Serve this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• The sauce can be thickened further by simmering it gently on the stove before pouring over the chicken if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Chicken Breast Recipe, Easy Baked Chicken, Parmesan Cream Sauce