Name: Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp lemon juice; ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels both comforting and a little fancy without all the fuss, the Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe will quickly become your go-to. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection with a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce that’s zesty with a hint of garlic and a subtle touch of lemon. It’s like having your favorite Caesar salad transformed into a warm, hearty meal that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. Every bite bursts with flavor, and the creamy sauce keeps things irresistibly moist while adding a savory richness you’ll want plenty of. Let me walk you through how to bring this easily manageable yet crowd-pleasing recipe to life in your very own kitchen!

The image shows a sliced, cooked chicken piece with a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of a creamy light yellow sauce with herbs scattered all over. The chicken is cut into thick slices arranged in one line on a white plate, resting on the white marbled textured surface. A woman's hand is holding wooden chopsticks picking up one of the chicken slices, showing the juicy inside. The sauce pools around the chicken, adding a smooth texture to the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from giving the chicken a golden, flavorful crust to creating a luscious sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that soaks up the creamy sauce delightfully.
2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to crisp the chicken and infuse it with subtle fruity richness.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
1 tsp garlic powder: A quick way to add that classic garlicky Caesar taste without the fuss of fresh garlic.
½ tsp paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and a beautiful color to the chicken.
1 cup heavy cream: The creamy canvas for your Parmesan sauce that makes everything silky and smooth.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the sauce—sharp, nutty, and utterly indulgent.
1 tsp Dijon mustard: A subtle tang that cuts through the richness perfectly.
1 tsp lemon juice: Adds a bright touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Herbs that lend aromatic depth and a hint of earthiness.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Then, gently pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and promotes a nice crust. Rub the chicken with olive oil to lock in moisture, then generously sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika over both sides. This seasoning mix gives the chicken a flavorful, golden exterior once baked.

Step 2: Optional Sear for Extra Flavor

If you have a few extra minutes, sear the seasoned chicken breasts in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn lightly golden. This step is not required but enhances the chicken’s texture and adds a lovely depth of flavor before it even goes into the oven.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

While the chicken rests from searing, mix the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme in a small bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the Parmesan melts slightly, and the sauce is well combined. This creamy sauce is the key element that transforms simple chicken into a luscious meal.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken with Sauce

Place the chicken breasts into a greased baking dish, then pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over them. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture locked in and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For an appetizing golden top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to let the sauce brown lightly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and tender. Serve the sliced chicken with plenty of the creamy Parmesan sauce spooned on top, then sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.

How to Serve Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

The image shows slices of cooked meat arranged in a row on a white plate, each slice topped with a creamy light yellow sauce speckled with herbs. The meat has a browned, seasoned outer layer with a tender, light brown inside. More sauce pools around the base of the meat on the plate. Small green herb sprigs are scattered on top and around the meat, adding contrast. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t skip the fresh parsley—its bright green color and mild herbal flavor add visual appeal and a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few shavings of extra Parmesan can add nice finishing touches.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement rather than compete. Think garlic roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp Caesar salad to keep the theme going. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or asparagus offer a fresh crunch alongside the creamy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try plating the sliced chicken over a bed of buttery polenta or risotto and drizzle extra sauce on top. You can also shred leftovers and stuff them into warm tortillas with lettuce for a tasty twist on chicken wraps. The key is to embrace the creamy Parmesan sauce as your flavor hero in every presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to include some of the sauce to help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, too. Place the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and prevent texture loss.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) covered with foil to keep the sauce from drying out. Alternatively, warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as the cream sauce can separate and become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a slightly juicier and more flavorful outcome, though the baking time may be a few minutes longer due to their thicker and fattier nature.

Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?

You can substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Just note that reducing the creaminess will slightly change the final texture and richness.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes! The creamy Parmesan sauce can be whisked together a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Give it a good stir before pouring it over the chicken to re-incorporate any settled ingredients.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can replace Dijon with yellow mustard or omit it altogether. The mustard adds a bit of tang and complexity, but the recipe will still be delicious without it.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken—the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe that the Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. It’s a dish that feels special but is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and casual dinner parties. Once you try it, you’ll see why it quickly earns its spot among your favorites, especially with that rich creamy sauce that brings everything to the next level. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a standout meal that everyone will rave about!