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
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
- 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.
