Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a delicious, comforting dish featuring tender baked chicken breasts smothered in a rich and flavorful Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines classic Caesar flavors with a creamy twist that elevates simple ingredients into a satisfying 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
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 them evenly with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to build flavor.
- Optional Searing: For added color and flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn lightly golden. This step is optional but recommended.
- Make 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 (and optionally seared) chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken to ensure they stay moist and flavorful during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In the last 5 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the sauce and chicken to brown lightly on top.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Slice the chicken, serve with the creamy sauce, and garnish each plate with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Optional searing adds extra flavor and a golden crust but can be skipped for a quicker preparation.
- You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs as you prefer.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent drying out.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad to complete the meal.
Keywords: baked chicken, Caesar chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, easy chicken recipe, chicken breasts, oven baked chicken
