Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

If you’re craving a rich, flavorful, and comforting dinner without hours in the kitchen, this Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is your answer. Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a velvety sauce reminiscent of Caesar dressing make for a meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this dish combines creamy Parmesan goodness, subtle tang from Dijon mustard and lemon, and aromatic herbs to create a dinner everyone will love. It’s gluten-free, cozy, and a show-stopper that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, Tender Chicken – Baked in a creamy sauce that locks in moisture.
• Rich, Flavorful Sauce – Parmesan, cream, and Dijon mustard bring Caesar-inspired depth.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in about 40 minutes, including prep and baking.
• Gluten-Free Comfort – Naturally gluten-free without compromising flavor.
• Elegant Presentation – Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal.
• Customizable – Add herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 3 generous portions.

For the Chicken

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Oven and baking dish (large enough for chicken in a single layer)
• Skillet (optional for searing)
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer.

Tip: A glass or ceramic baking dish works best for even heat distribution.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Rub chicken with olive oil.
3. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Optional Step: For added flavor and color, sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step enhances the taste and creates a slight crust.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
   • 1 cup heavy cream
   • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
   • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
   • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the richest flavor; pre-grated cheese works but may slightly affect the sauce’s texture.

4. Assemble and Bake

1. Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.
2. Pour the Parmesan cream sauce evenly over the chicken.
3. Cover with foil to keep the chicken moist.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Tip: Baking covered prevents the sauce from drying and keeps the chicken tender.

5. Rest and Garnish

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
2. Slice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Searing Optional but Recommended – Creates a golden crust and deepens flavor.
• Add Garlic or Shallots – Sauté 1–2 cloves minced garlic or a chopped shallot in olive oil before adding cream for extra aroma.
• Herb Swaps – Use rosemary, oregano, or basil instead of thyme or Italian seasoning.
• Lower Fat Option – Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream; note the sauce will be slightly lighter.
• Extra Sauce – Double the sauce if you love creamy chicken dishes.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish balances creamy, cheesy richness with tangy notes from Dijon mustard and lemon juice, complemented by the warmth of garlic and paprika. The sauce coats each slice of chicken, making every bite satisfying and indulgent.

Suggested Side Dishes

• Garlic roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Crusty gluten-free bread for soaking up extra sauce

Nutritional Overview

Per serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with sauce):

• Calories: 700
• Protein: 61g
• Fat: 49g (Saturated: 28g, Unsaturated: 15g)
• Carbohydrates: 3.5g
• Fiber: 0.2g
• Sugar: 2.4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 200mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb comfort food.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Sauce: Can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for 1–2 days.
• Chicken: Seasoned and seared chicken can be stored separately and baked when needed.
• Assembly: Bake and serve fresh for best texture; reheating gently is key to prevent dryness.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in or boneless thighs work. Adjust baking time to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Can this be made dairy-free?
Substitute coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Flavor will be slightly different.

3. Do I have to sear the chicken?
No, but searing adds color, flavor, and depth to the dish.

4. How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

5. Can I make this for more servings?
Yes, simply multiply ingredients proportionally and use a larger baking dish.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep Chicken	5–10 minutes
Optional Sear	5–6 minutes
Make Sauce	3–5 minutes
Bake	20–25 minutes
Rest & Garnish	5 minutes
Total	~40 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a drizzle of extra sauce over the top.
• Pair with roasted or sautéed vegetables for color and texture.
• Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and parsley for presentation.
• Slice chicken on a slight angle for a restaurant-style look.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Herb Baked Chicken – Add 2 cloves minced garlic and rosemary to the sauce.
2. Lemon-Parmesan Chicken – Increase lemon juice to 2 teaspoons for a brighter citrus flavor.
3. Creamy Mushroom Chicken – Sauté mushrooms in olive oil and add to the sauce before baking.
4. Spicy Parmesan Chicken – Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the sauce for heat.

Ingredient Spotlight

Parmesan Cheese

• Selection: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth sauce texture. Avoid pre-grated blends with anti-caking agents.
• Storage: Refrigerate tightly sealed; lasts 1–2 weeks once opened.

Heavy Cream

• Selection: Choose high-fat cream for richest, creamiest sauce.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated; do not overwhip for this recipe.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pat Chicken Dry – Helps seasonings stick and promotes browning.
• Gentle Baking – Covering with foil ensures juicy chicken and prevents the sauce from separating.
• Freshly Grated Cheese – Melts more evenly and creates a smooth, luxurious sauce.
• Rest Chicken Before Slicing – Keeps juices inside, ensuring tender, moist slices.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cooked Chicken & Sauce: Store in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.
• Freeze Sauce Only: Can freeze up to 1 month; thaw in fridge and reheat gently.
• Avoid Freezing Chicken in Sauce: Texture may degrade; freeze separately if desired.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	700
Protein	61g
Carbohydrates	3.5g
Fat	49g
Saturated Fat	28g
Fiber	0.2g
Sugar	2.4g
Sodium	800mg
Cholesterol	200mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, low-carb, and perfect for keto or low-carb meal plans.

Expanded Conclusion

This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a quick, comforting, and elegant dinner that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal. With tender chicken, rich cream, Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon and lemon, it’s a dish that’s perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or even meal prep.

The creamy sauce is rich yet balanced, and the simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for even novice cooks. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad to complete the meal.

Whether you follow it exactly or experiment with herbs and spice variations, this dish will become a staple in your rotation, delivering comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance every time.

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