Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a delicious, comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked to perfection in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Enhanced with garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon and Dijon mustard, this meal captures the classic Caesar flavors in a simple, satisfying bake that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- 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 the Oven: Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Rub each breast evenly with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): To add a golden color and extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended.
- Make the 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 in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish and place the seasoned (and seared, if done) chicken breasts inside. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken, serve it with the creamy Parmesan sauce from the dish, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Opting to sear the chicken before baking enhances flavor and color but can be skipped for a simpler preparation.
- You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning as preferred.
- For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Garnishing with parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
Keywords: baked chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, Caesar chicken, easy dinner, chicken breast recipe, oven-baked chicken
