Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
