Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
A delicious Caesar Chicken recipe featuring tender baked chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, and a hint of lemon. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a flavorful and comforting dinner.
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each piece thoroughly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to add flavor.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Mix the Creamy 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 for Baking: Lightly grease a baking dish and place the chicken breasts inside. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken pieces to ensure they soak up the rich flavors.
- Bake the Chicken: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to develop a lightly browned finish.
- Rest and Serve: Take the chicken out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juiciness. Slice the chicken, serve it with the creamy sauce poured over, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before baking is optional but adds a nice golden-brown crust and depth of flavor.
- You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if preferred.
- For a lower-fat option, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad to complete the meal.
Keywords: Caesar Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Baked Chicken Breast, Easy Dinner Recipes, Chicken Parmesan, Comfort Food