If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant dinner that’s sure to impress, the Baked Caesar Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Tender chicken breasts are bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce packed with Parmesan’s nutty goodness and brightened with just a hint of lemon and Dijon mustard. Baking it all together melds the flavors beautifully, creating a dish that feels special but is incredibly easy to pull off. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make on a weeknight yet keep handy for guests because it delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, each playing an important role in bringing out rich, balanced flavors and a luxurious texture. From the savory chicken seasoned just right to the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together, every component contributes something essential.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and a tender bite.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate and balance flavors.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky note without overpowering the sauce.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and attractive color.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, smooth base of the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that gives savory, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tang and complexity to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, zesty punch.
- Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Brings herbal warmth and aroma.
- Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This simple step ensures your chicken will bake perfectly without getting stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the sauce, creating a rich and flavorful base that will coat the chicken flawlessly.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with paprika, salt, and pepper. This enhances the chicken’s flavor profile and gives the exterior a beautiful color once baked.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken carefully, making sure each breast is well coated. This step transforms the dish from ordinary to indulgent, as the sauce will keep the chicken moist and infuse it with its signature Caesar-inspired flavor. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it’s juicy and cooked through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This fresh herbal touch adds color, aroma, and a hint of brightness against the creamy, cheesy sauce, making the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Baked Caesar Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is classic and perfect for this dish, adding a lovely pop of green. If you want to play around, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or some cracked black pepper on top just before serving can also enhance the appearance and flavor.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Consider serving it with garlic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad to echo the flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or a bed of buttery pasta also work wonderfully to soak up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special meal, plate each chicken breast on a white dish with a drizzle of the creamy sauce over the top and a sprinkle of parsley. Adding a lemon wedge on the side allows guests to squeeze additional brightness if they desire. Serving it family-style in the baking dish right on the table invites everyone to dig in and share the deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so stirring gently when reheating helps restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and store up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain quality.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring the sauce occasionally. This prevents drying out while keeping the Parmesan sauce smooth and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and have more flavor. Just adjust the baking time slightly since thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half mixed with a bit of melted butter to mimic the richness, or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, though it will subtly change the flavor profile.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it over the chicken to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is perfect. The juices should run clear, and the meat should be opaque all the way through.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus spears can be added around the chicken to roast in the sauce, making this a one-pan meal.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Baked Caesar Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe, it’ll become one of your favorite weeknight dinners and a staple for impressing guests alike. The combination of juicy chicken with the creamy, tangy Parmesan sauce is downright irresistible. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and enjoy the comfort and elegance this dish brings to your table.
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Baked Caesar Chicken With Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a deliciously rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a luxurious sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and a touch of lemon and garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines the classic flavors of Caesar dressing with a creamy baked twist.
Ingredients
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
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, drizzle them with olive oil, and season generously with paprika, salt, and pepper to add flavor and color.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning as preferred.
- If you want a thicker sauce, allow it to rest a few minutes before serving as it will thicken slightly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
