Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich, cheesy sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines classic Caesar flavors with a creamy Parmesan sauce that elevates the simple chicken to a deliciously indulgent meal.
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken perfectly.
- Prepare Chicken: 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 to add flavor and enhance browning.
- Optional Searing: For extra flavor and a golden crust, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step can be skipped if short on time.
- 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 Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish and place the prepared chicken breasts inside. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken to coat it well.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the sauce and chicken tops to brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain juices. Then slice the chicken, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Optional searing of the chicken before baking adds flavor and a nice crust but can be omitted to save time.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness; substitute with basil or chives if desired.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Chicken Breast Recipe, Easy Dinner, Oven-Baked Chicken, Parmesan Chicken
