Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, mustard, and herbs. Perfectly seasoned and finished with fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
- 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 (for garnish)
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 each piece evenly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a flavorful crust.
- Optional Sear: For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn lightly golden. This step can be skipped if desired.
- 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 prepared chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the sauce and chicken to develop a lightly browned and slightly crisp top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice and serve drizzled with the creamy sauce and garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, searing the chicken breasts before baking is recommended but optional.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh Caesar salad.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Chicken, Oven-baked chicken breast, Parmesan sauce chicken, Easy chicken dinner
