Dinner

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

ByGabriel Langdon January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe brings classic Caesar flavors to your table in a comforting baked form.

The image shows a sliced grilled chicken breast carefully arranged in a single row on a white plate. Each slice reveals a juicy, tender inside with a light pink color, while the outside is well-grilled with golden brown and slightly charred edges. A creamy, pale yellow sauce with green herb specks generously covers the top and pools around the base of the chicken, giving a rich and smooth texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the dish's colors and freshness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them evenly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: (Optional) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning until smooth.
Step 5: Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish in a single layer. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
Step 7: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking. Slice and serve with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
Swap out dried thyme for fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to change the flavor profile.
Add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli to the baking dish for a one-pan dinner.
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but expect a less rich texture.

Storage

Store leftover baked Caesar chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the cream sauce may change texture upon thawing.

How to Serve

The image shows a sliced grilled chicken breast placed in the center of a white plate. The chicken has a golden-brown crust with visible grill marks and a juicy, white interior. A creamy yellow sauce with small green herbs is generously poured over the top of the chicken, spreading slightly onto the plate around it. The background and surface are white with a marbled texture, adding a clean and bright feel to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust the baking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.