If your weeknights feel like a blur of work, errands, and “what’s for dinner?” panic, Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is about to become your new best friend. This is the kind of meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. Creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone who wants dinner to feel a little special—even on a random Tuesday.
this recipe is one of those comforting chicken dinners I come back to again and again. It’s simple enough for everyday life, but rich and satisfying enough to serve when you want to impress without stress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Let’s be honest—we all want recipes that work. This one checks all the boxes:
- Quick prep, big payoff – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor
- Family-friendly – Creamy, mild, and comforting (even picky eaters approve)
- Oven-baked ease – Your oven does the heavy lifting
- Perfect leftovers – Tastes even better the next day
The creamy Parmesan sauce hugs every bite of chicken, while a touch of Dijon and lemon keeps things from feeling heavy. It’s comfort food with a little confidence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Protein
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Tip: Fresh parsley adds color and a little freshness that balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It Without Stress
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step matters more than we think—starting with a hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This small step helps the seasoning stick and gives better color.
Rub each piece with olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Real-life tip: If your day’s been long, take a breath here. Seasoning chicken can be oddly therapeutic.
3. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Lovely)
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden.
Then transfer the chicken to a greased baking dish.
Note: You can skip this step if you’re short on time, but that quick sear adds flavor and color that feels restaurant-worthy.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Thyme or Italian seasoning
Whisk until smooth, then pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.
This sauce is the heart of Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce—creamy, savory, and just tangy enough to keep you going back for “one more bite.”
5. Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes if you want a lightly golden top.
Chef tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. It keeps everything juicy and gives the sauce time to settle.
6. Slice, Spoon, and Serve
Slice the chicken, spoon that dreamy Parmesan sauce over the top, and finish with chopped parsley.
Take a moment to admire your work. You just made comfort food magic happen.
What to Serve With This Creamy Chicken
This dish is rich and cozy, so simple sides work best:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Buttered pasta or rice
- A crisp Caesar salad
Honestly, that sauce is so good you’ll want something to soak it up.
My Little Story Behind This Recipe
I first made this Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce on one of those evenings where everyone was hungry now and my fridge looked uninspiring. I had chicken, cream, and Parmesan—so I crossed my fingers and trusted the process.
The result? Silence at the dinner table. The good kind. My family scraped their plates, and I knew this one was a keeper. Since then, it’s become my go-to when I want comfort without complication.
Helpful Tips (Because We’ve All Been There)
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk or cream and stir gently.
- Chicken breasts too large? Slice them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly.
- No fresh parsley? Dried works in a pinch, or skip it entirely.
- Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
And if your sauce looks a little lumpy at first—don’t panic. Once it bakes, everything comes together beautifully.

FAQs About Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay extra juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Perfect for busy schedules.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
A Cozy Ending (Without Calling It a Conclusion)
There’s something deeply comforting about pulling a bubbling dish of Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce out of the oven and knowing dinner is handled. No stress. No complicated steps. Just a creamy, satisfying meal that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family feel cared for.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. At Chicken Magic Recipes, we’re all about turning everyday chicken into something a little magical. Happy cooking!
Keep the Comfort Going: More Chicken Dinners You’ll Adore
If this Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce made you fall a little more in love with cozy, creamy chicken dinners, you’re in the right place. Before you close the tab, here are a few reader-favorite recipes that hit the same comforting notes—rich sauces, tender chicken, and that “everyone’s happy at the table” feeling. Consider this your next-dinner inspiration list:
- Craving that same Caesar-style flavor with an even more tender bite? Melt-In-Your-Mouth Caesar Chicken is a must-try and perfect when you want something effortless but impressive.
- If one-pan meals are your love language, One-Pan Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Rice delivers big comfort with minimal cleanup—weeknight magic at its best.
- For another oven-baked favorite packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness, don’t miss Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake. It’s cozy, reliable, and always a hit.
- Want that restaurant-style dinner without leaving the house? Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken brings bold flavor and a little “treat yourself” energy to your table.
Whether you’re meal-planning for the week or just bookmarking future favorites, these recipes are perfect for keeping the comfort—and the chicken magic—going.
Print
Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned, baked, and smothered in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but fits perfectly into busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein
-
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt, to taste
-
Black pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon paprika
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon lemon juice
-
½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Garnish
-
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
-
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
(Optional) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and thyme until smooth.
-
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover the dish loosely with foil.
-
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
Remove foil during the last 5 minutes if desired for light browning.
-
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Searing the chicken first adds extra flavor but can be skipped for a faster prep.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or cream before serving.
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg