Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

When it comes to classic comfort food elevated with a touch of elegance, Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a winner every time. Tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, garlicky, creamy Parmesan sauce create a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests.

This recipe is all about convenience without compromising on flavor. With minimal prep and a total cooking time of just 35 minutes, you can have a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.

Whether you serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad, this Baked Caesar Chicken promises to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich & Creamy: The Parmesan cream sauce is indulgent without being overly heavy.
• Juicy Chicken: Baking preserves the chicken’s moisture for a tender bite.
• Versatile: Pair with pasta, potatoes, or veggies for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: A creamy sauce with a garnish of fresh parsley makes it look gourmet.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 3 and uses simple pantry staples.

Protein:

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Tip: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to balance the richness of the sauce.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Oven and baking dish
• Skillet (optional for searing)
• Small mixing bowl for the sauce
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Meat thermometer for checking doneness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking. Preheating is crucial for perfectly cooked chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
2. Rub them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Pro Tip: Drying the chicken ensures better browning and helps the seasoning stick.

3. Sear the Chicken (Optional)

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
3. Remove and place in a greased baking dish.

Note: Searing is optional but adds color and enhances flavor.

4. Prepare the Parmesan Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and thyme until smooth.
2. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.

The sauce combines creaminess with a subtle tang from the Dijon mustard and lemon, perfectly complementing the savory chicken.

5. Bake the Chicken

1. Cover the dish with foil to prevent the sauce from overbrowning.
2. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. For a lightly browned top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Chef Tip: Letting the chicken rest after baking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.

6. Slice and Serve

1. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Slice each breast and spoon the creamy Parmesan sauce over the top.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Herb Swap: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or Italian herb blend can replace dried thyme.
• Cheese Variation: Try Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor in the sauce.
• Vegetable Boost: Bake alongside asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes in the same dish for a one-pan meal.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance; pour over chicken and bake when ready.

Flavor Profile

• Chicken: Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned.
• Sauce: Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, with a subtle tang from mustard and lemon.
• Overall Dish: Comforting and indulgent with a hint of freshness from parsley.

Suggested Side Dishes: Serve with roasted potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per serving (3 servings total):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fat: 32g (Saturated: 18g)
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 160mg
• Sodium: 450mg

This meal is protein-rich, low in carbs, and indulgently creamy.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Chicken: Can be seasoned in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 hours.
• Sauce: Mix the Parmesan cream sauce ahead of time and pour over chicken just before baking.
• Freezing: Bake chicken fully, cool, and store in airtight containers for up to 2 months; reheat gently in the oven.

FAQs

1. Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, you can bake it directly. Searing is optional but adds extra flavor and color.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. Bone-in or boneless thighs will work; adjust baking time to reach 165°F internally.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or cashew cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and increase baking time slightly.

5. How long can leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time	Notes
Preheat oven	10 min	375°F
Prepare chicken	5 min	Rub with oil and seasoning
Sear chicken (optional)	4–6 min	2–3 min per side
Prepare sauce	3 min	Whisk ingredients
Bake chicken	20–25 min	Covered; remove foil last 5 min
Rest & serve	5 min	Slice and garnish
Total	35 min	Ready to serve

Serving Suggestions

• Slice chicken breasts and serve with sauce poured over.
• Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.
• Garnish generously with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Herb Baked Chicken: Add extra garlic and rosemary to the sauce.
2. Lemon Parmesan Chicken: Add lemon zest and juice for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
3. One-Pan Veggie Meal: Add asparagus or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
4. Cheesy Baked Chicken: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a golden crust.

Ingredient Spotlight

Parmesan Cheese

• Flavor: Sharp, nutty, and salty, adding richness to the sauce.
• Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce than pre-grated.

Dijon Mustard

• Function: Adds subtle tang and depth to the creamy sauce.
• Tip: Stir in well to avoid clumping.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat chicken dry to prevent steaming and promote browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
• Covering the dish during baking locks in moisture and prevents drying.
• Rest the chicken before slicing for maximum juiciness.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Chicken: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Sauce: Best stored together with chicken; can freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven to prevent sauce separation.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	450 kcal	Balanced portion
Protein	35g	Chicken & Parmesan
Carbs	4g	Minimal
Fat	32g	Cream & butter
Saturated Fat	18g	Rich & creamy
Fiber	0g	Minimal
Cholesterol	160mg	From cream & chicken
Sodium	450mg	Seasonings & Parmesan

Expanded Conclusion

This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, it’s a meal that satisfies every craving.

Quick to prepare, elegant to serve, and versatile enough to pair with your favorite sides, this recipe is a must-have in your dinner rotation. Make it for weeknights, casual dinners, or even a small gathering—everyone will be asking for seconds.

Treat yourself to this creamy, cheesy delight—you won’t be disappointed!

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