Description
Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a quick and easy recipe featuring tender baked chicken breasts coated in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce inspired by classic Caesar salad dressing. This protein-packed, creamy dish is perfect for family dinners and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, pasta, or salads.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Lightly coat each piece with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to create a flavorful base.
- Mix the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy, setting a rich and tangy tone for the sauce.
- Coat the Chicken with Sauce: Generously spread the creamy Parmesan sauce on each chicken breast, ensuring the sauce covers every bite to infuse that luscious Caesar flavor.
- Bake Until Tender: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken stays moist and juicy while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese if desired to brighten up the presentation before serving.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking and juiciness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for a creamier sauce and better melt.
- Do not overbake the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Mix the sauce gently to keep it silky and well combined without overwhipping.
- Let the chicken rest after baking to lock in moisture and enhance tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Parmesan Sauce, Creamy Chicken, Easy Dinner, Chicken Recipe, Protein-Packed, Family Friendly