Introduction

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Juicy chicken breasts are baked in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that feels indulgent without being complicated. This recipe brings classic Caesar salad flavors into a satisfying main course.

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Optional: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
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.
Step 5: Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to let the top brown slightly.
Step 7: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then slice and serve with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for mild heat.
Swap dried thyme for fresh basil or oregano for a different herb flavor.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
Serve with crusty bread or over 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 stove over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. For longer storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before 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 and stay juicy. Adjust baking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing is optional but recommended for extra flavor and a nice golden crust. If short on time, you can skip this step and bake directly.

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 96 reviews

This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich and flavorful Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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

Creamy Parmesan 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 piece with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse flavor.
Optional searing: 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 texture but can be skipped if desired.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
Assemble in baking dish: Place the prepared chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over each piece to ensure they stay moist and flavorful during baking.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To achieve a lightly browned top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken and serve it drizzled with the creamy sauce, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Searing the chicken before baking enhances flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to 165°F for food safety.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
Serve alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Chicken Breast Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food