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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
