Dinner

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

ByLily Cross January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Introduction

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich, cheesy sauce that brings the classic Caesar salad flavors to your plate. This easy recipe delivers a delicious meal with minimal effort.

The image shows a sliced grilled chicken breast carefully arranged in a single row on a white plate. Each slice reveals a juicy, tender inside with a light pink color, while the outside is well-grilled with golden brown and slightly charred edges. A creamy, pale yellow sauce with green herb specks generously covers the top and pools around the base of the chicken, giving a rich and smooth texture. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, enhancing the dish's colors and freshness. 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 each breast with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: (Optional) Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust.
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 well combined.
Step 5: Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan 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 during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
Step 7: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking. Slice the chicken and serve it with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the sauce mixture or sprinkle croutons on top before serving for a traditional Caesar crunch.
Substitute dried thyme with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a different herbal note.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a sliced grilled chicken breast placed in the center of a white plate. The chicken has a golden-brown crust with visible grill marks and a juicy, white interior. A creamy yellow sauce with small green herbs is generously poured over the top of the chicken, spreading slightly onto the plate around it. The background and surface are white with a marbled texture, adding a clean and bright feel to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will provide a juicier result. Adjust the baking time slightly, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).