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.

5 Irresistible Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

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

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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