Introduction

This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich, cheesy sauce that brings classic Caesar flavors to your dinner table. It’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

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 your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with olive oil, then season evenly 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 are lightly golden. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re 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 Parmesan cream sauce evenly over the top of the chicken.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
Step 7: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the cream sauce before baking.
Substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme or Italian seasoning for a different herb profile.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over cooked pasta to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well with this recipe. Adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?

Searing the chicken first adds a nice golden crust and extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time. The chicken will still bake nicely in the sauce.

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 449 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make Baked Caesar Chicken with a creamy Parmesan sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and baked in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, then garnished with fresh parsley.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 3 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Salt

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.
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them thoroughly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse flavor.
Optional Sear: For enhanced flavor and color, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step is optional but recommended.
Prepare 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: Place the seasoned (and optionally seared) chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven 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.
Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Then slice the chicken, serve it plated with the creamy Parmesan sauce, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Optional searing of chicken adds extra flavor and color but can be skipped for a faster recipe.
Substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous flavor.
The sauce can be adjusted for thickness by adding more cream or Parmesan as desired.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: baked chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, Caesar chicken, easy dinner recipe, baked chicken breasts