Description

This Baked Caesar Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy Parmesan sauce infused with garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon, and herbs. It’s an easy and flavorful one-dish meal perfect for a comforting dinner, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

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 (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub them evenly with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse flavor.
Optional searing: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until the surface turns lightly golden. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
Prepare the 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: Place the seasoned (and optionally seared) chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the top of the chicken pieces to cover them.
Bake the chicken: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes in the preheated oven. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain its juices. Then slice the chicken breasts, spoon some sauce over them, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Optional searing enhances flavor but isn’t mandatory.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
Substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning for a different herbaceous note.
Garnishing with fresh parsley adds freshness and color.
Can be served with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked caesar chicken, creamy parmesan chicken, easy baked chicken recipe, chicken with parmesan sauce, quick dinner recipes