Print

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests, this recipe combines easy-to-find ingredients and minimal cleanup, delivering rich, comforting flavors with a fresh, savory twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps retain moisture and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This locks in moisture and creates a flavorful crust.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy, delivering the signature tangy, garlicky flavor.
  4. Combine and Bake: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce has thickened beautifully.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top to add vibrant color and a fresh herbaceous aroma. Optionally, add extra grated Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking.
  • Searing the chicken is essential for flavor and texture.
  • Choose freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and taste.
  • Check chicken a few minutes before time to prevent overbaking and dryness.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, Caesar chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, easy dinner, one pan meal, gluten free chicken recipe