Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

If you’re craving a meal that combines rich, comforting flavors with effortless preparation, then this Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is going to be your new favorite weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts baked to perfection are smothered with a luscious, garlicky Caesar-inspired sauce made creamy with Parmesan cheese, making each bite irresistibly flavorful. This dish strikes the perfect balance between elegant and easy, ideal for busy cooks who want a hearty meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet flavorful: The combination of classic Caesar flavors and tender baked chicken creates a taste that feels gourmet but is so easy to achieve.
• Quick dinner solution: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Minimal ingredients: Uses common pantry staples and fresh ingredients without needing anything too fancy or hard to find.
• Family-friendly appeal: Creamy, cheesy sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for leftovers: Reheats beautifully the next day, even better when paired with a fresh salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce are simple but thoughtfully chosen, each adding layers of texture and flavor. Fresh garlic and lemon juice brighten the sauce, while Parmesan cheese brings that classic creamy richness. Chicken breasts serve as a tender, juicy base that’s easy to customize.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless for even baking and easy portion control.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps create a crispy baked surface.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to provide aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy foundation for the Caesar sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for authentic flavor and smooth texture.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
• Dijon mustard: Enhances depth with a gentle peppery kick.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami complexity typical of Caesar dressings.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning essentials to balance every bite.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, for a fresh green garnish and subtle herbal note.

Variations for Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you want to accommodate dietary preferences or just try something new, these ideas add flexibility without complicating the process.

• Use chicken thighs: Swap breasts for boneless thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat with a slightly different texture.
• Make it keto-friendly: Replace mayonnaise with avocado mayo and skip any added sugars to keep it low-carb.
• Add vegetables: Toss in asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms directly into the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
• Use Greek yogurt: Substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce.
• Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.

How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a greased baking dish, ready for the sauce.

Step 2: Make the creamy Parmesan sauce

In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. This sauce is the magic that gives the dish its irresistible Caesar flavor and creamy texture.

Step 3: Coat the chicken

Evenly spread the creamy Parmesan sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well covered. This seals in moisture and layers the flavor throughout baking.

Step 4: Bake the chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for brightness and color before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Pat chicken dry: Ensuring the chicken is dry before applying oil helps the sauce stick and promotes even browning.
• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly or deliver the same rich flavor.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice: It balances the richness and lifts the entire dish’s flavor profile.
• Let it rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juicy moisture.
• Add a crispy topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking.

How to Serve Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan add a pop of color and flavor contrast to your Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce. You can also add a few anchovy fillets for authentic Caesar vibes if you’re feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

Serve this chicken alongside crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad. Each side dish complements the creamy, tangy sauce without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of pasta tossed in olive oil or on toasted baguette slices for an open-faced sandwich. You can also make individual portions in ramekins topped with sauce and Parmesan for a charming presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the sauce intact for continued flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to retain the sauce’s creamy texture and keep the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While fresh chicken is best for even cooking, you can use thawed frozen chicken breasts. Make sure they are fully thawed before baking to ensure proper doneness.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

This version includes Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise which contain dairy. For a dairy-free version, substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese and use a suitable mayonnaise alternative.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The basic Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is naturally gluten-free if you confirm your mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to shred Parmesan cheese?

Use a microplane grater for finely grated Parmesan that melts smoothly into the sauce, enhancing creaminess and flavor.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Just use a larger baking dish or two pans, and adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is one of those recipes that feels like a special occasion but comes together so easily that it can be a regular at your dinner table. It’s creamy, tangy, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Give it a try tonight and watch how fast it becomes a go-to for busy nights and hungry guests alike!

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