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Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts generously coated in a luscious, garlicky Caesar-inspired sauce made creamy with Parmesan cheese. This flavorful dish balances elegance and comfort, perfect for busy cooks who want a hearty, family-friendly meal with minimal effort and ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken breasts dry, then lightly brush them with olive oil. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, spaced evenly.
  2. Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy, capturing the classic Caesar flavor.
  3. Coat the chicken: Evenly spread the creamy Parmesan sauce over each chicken breast, ensuring every piece is well covered. This coating helps seal in moisture during baking and layers the dish with rich flavor.
  4. Bake the chicken: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C), and the sauce is bubbly with a slightly golden top.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry before oiling to help the sauce adhere and promote even browning.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated alternatives.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice as it balances the richness of the sauce and enhances overall flavor.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
  • For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top of the sauce before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar chicken, baked chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, quick dinner, weeknight meal, family-friendly, gluten free