Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with lemon, Dijon mustard, and herbs. It’s an easy yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, serving with a flavorful garlicky twist and a golden baked finish.
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each piece evenly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sear Chicken (Optional): In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn lightly golden. This step adds extra flavor and a nice crust but can be skipped if desired.
- Make Parmesan 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 combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to become lightly browned and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Slice the chicken, serve with the creamy sauce from the dish, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Searing chicken before baking adds a flavorful crust but is optional.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning for a different herbaceous flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Chicken Breast Recipe, Easy Dinner, Italian-inspired Chicken
