Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with tender chicken breasts, making it an easy yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless chicken breasts (ensure tenderness)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese (dairy-free option available)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (can substitute with coconut cream)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh juice enhances flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (can be omitted or swapped for basil)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Step 4: Place the chicken in a baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over the chicken.
- Step 5: Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Step 6: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Swap fresh parsley with fresh basil for a different herbal note.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through to avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day. Whisk again before pouring over the chicken.
PrintBaked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce offers a rich and comforting twist on classic Caesar flavors, delivering tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious sauce made from Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, garlic, lemon juice, and a hint of Dijon mustard. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 pieces Boneless Chicken Breasts (ensure tenderness)
Sauce
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (dairy-free option available)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with coconut cream)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (optional)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (fresh juice enhances flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (can be omitted or swapped for basil)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the optimal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the boneless chicken breasts dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the sauce adhere better and ensuring the chicken cooks uniformly.
- Make Creamy Parmesan Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a rich sauce.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the prepared chicken breasts in a baking dish, then pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over them, making sure each piece is well coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving to add a fresh, herbal touch.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth but can be omitted if preferred.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, so avoid using bottled lemon juice for best flavor.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking helps retain its juices for a more tender bite.
- You can swap parsley for fresh basil if desired or omit herbs completely.
Keywords: Baked Caesar Chicken, Creamy Parmesan Sauce, Easy Chicken Recipe, Oven-Baked Chicken, Parmesan Chicken
