Dinner

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

ByAndria Russo January 21, 2026January 21, 2026

Introduction

This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a deliciously simple dish that brings the flavors of a classic Caesar salad to your dinner plate. Tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy sauce make for a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a sliced grilled chicken breast arranged in a single row. The chicken has a golden brown, slightly crispy outer layer, revealing a juicy white inside. A creamy yellow sauce with green herbs is poured over the top of the chicken and pools around the base. The sauce has a smooth texture with small bits of herbs visible throughout. 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 adds extra flavor but can be skipped to save time.
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. Pour the Parmesan cream sauce evenly over the chicken.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the sauce to brown slightly.
Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Slice and serve topped with the creamy sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.

Tips & Variations

For a crispier texture, finish the chicken under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after removing the foil.
Swap dried thyme with fresh thyme or Italian seasoning to vary the herb flavor.
Add steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to the baking dish for an all-in-one meal.
Use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but retains good flavor when reheated carefully.