Introduction

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a rich and comforting dish that elevates simple chicken breasts with a luscious, garlicky sauce. This easy recipe combines classic Caesar flavors with a creamy twist, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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 the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them evenly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: (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 color. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, 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 baking dish with foil and bake 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 lightly.
Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Slice the chicken, serve with the sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking to create a crispy crust.
Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option, adjusting baking time accordingly.
Add a teaspoon of minced garlic to the sauce for a more intense garlic flavor.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but maintains good flavor when reheated carefully.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream or milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream provides the rich, silky texture essential to the sauce. Using low-fat cream or milk may result in a thinner sauce and less creamy flavor. If you prefer, use half-and-half, but avoid skim milk for best results.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing the chicken is optional but recommended. It adds a layer of caramelized flavor and improves the appearance by giving the chicken a golden crust. However, if you’re short on time, you can bake the chicken without searing and still achieve a tasty dish.

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 123 reviews

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

Author: Isabella
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

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 the chicken evenly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse 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 texture but can be skipped if desired.
Make Parmesan 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 for baking: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the prepared Parmesan cream sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring they are fully coated.
Bake the chicken: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a lightly browned top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Rest and serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then slice the chicken and serve with the creamy Parmesan sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For extra flavor, searing the chicken before baking helps lock in juices and adds a nice color.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes before pouring over the chicken.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve creaminess.

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