Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
