Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce in 35 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish you can prepare in just 35 minutes. It combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, garlicky sauce that tastes like a homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Step 3: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over them.
- Step 4: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can swap it for fresh basil or omit it altogether for a different flavor profile.
- Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a nice subtle heat.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through to preserve the creamy sauce texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that skin-on breasts may require a slightly longer baking time to ensure they cook through and the skin crisps.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then assemble before baking. For best results, bake just before serving to keep the chicken tender and sauce fresh.
PrintBaked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce in 35 Minutes Recipe
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender boneless chicken breasts are baked to perfection in a rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic, and fresh lemon juice. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a bright herbal finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, it offers a delicious twist on classic Caesar flavors without the salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
For the Sauce
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (can be omitted or swapped for basil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the sauce adhere better and promotes even cooking.
- Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Combine and Bake: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, then pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the top, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make the sauce dairy-free.
- Dairy-free Parmesan alternatives are available if you need a dairy-free option.
- The Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and depth but can be omitted if preferred.
- Fresh lemon juice is recommended to brighten the sauce, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- For a different herb flavor, swap parsley with fresh basil.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Keywords: baked chicken, Caesar chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, baked chicken breasts
