Tangy Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Craving a mouthwatering baked Caesar chicken that seamlessly blends comfort and elegance?

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy Parmesan sauce creation.

Tender chicken breasts nestle beneath a golden, crispy exterior that promises incredible flavor.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of tastes that will make your dinner table sing.

Parmesan rich, nutty notes complement the zesty Caesar marinade, ensuring each bite delivers maximum satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this irresistible dish that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

Why Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Is Amazing

• Quick Comfort Classic: Transforms ordinary chicken into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry staples like cream, Parmesan, and chicken to create a rich, flavorful dish without complicated shopping.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplifies cooking process by using a single skillet for searing and baking, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation stress-free.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, appealing to various taste preferences with its creamy Caesar-inspired sauce.

Key Ingredients for Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Chicken Breasts: The primary protein that serves as the main component of this delicious baked dish.

• Heavy Cream: Provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: Contributes to the sauce's creamy texture and tangy taste.
• Anchovies: Offers a deep, umami flavor characteristic of traditional Caesar profiles.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce, Dijon Mustard: These ingredients work together to create a complex and zesty sauce with depth and brightness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden exterior.

• Parsley, Romaine Lettuce, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Provide fresh color, texture, and additional flavor to the finished dish.

How to Bake Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Sizzle and Seal the Chicken

• Chicken breasts
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken breasts.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet and create a golden sear on each side of the chicken for 2-3 minutes, locking in those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up the Luxurious Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic
• Anchovies (optional)
• Lemon juice
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard

In a saucepan, blend all sauce ingredients together.

Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce transforms into a velvety, slightly thickened marvel (about 5 minutes).

Step 4: Sauce and Bake

Pour the dreamy Parmesan sauce directly over the seared chicken in the skillet, ensuring every inch is covered in creamy goodness.

Step 5: Oven Transformation

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe 165F (74C), turning into a tender, juicy masterpiece.

Step 6: Rest and Settle

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and flavors to mingle.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Sprinkle chopped parsley or romaine lettuce on top.

Add an extra shower of grated Parmesan cheese for that final touch of deliciousness before serving.

Tips to Master Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Take time to brown chicken properly, creating a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and adds deep flavor complexity.
• Stir sauce continuously while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that coats chicken perfectly.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results without overcooking.
• For milder flavor, reduce anchovy amount or substitute with extra Worcestershire sauce to maintain depth without overwhelming saltiness.
• Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking, helping juices redistribute and ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.

Unique Twists on Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• Low-Carb Caesar Chicken: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use heavy cream alternatives like coconut cream for a lower-carb version.
• Dairy-Free Caesar Chicken: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, use almond milk cream, and replace mayonnaise with cashew cream for a dairy-free adaptation.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Add dried oregano, basil, and thyme to the sauce, swap anchovies for kalamata olives, and sprinkle fresh Mediterranean herbs before serving.
• Spicy Cajun Caesar Chicken: Incorporate Cajun seasoning into the chicken rub, add red pepper flakes to the sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions for extra heat and flavor.

Best Pairings with Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, tangy Caesar sauce with their bright, acidic notes that cut through the richness.

Create a classic side salad with romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and extra Parmesan shavings to echo the dish’s Caesar flavor profile.

Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic and olive oil provide a fresh, green vegetable accompaniment that balances the creamy chicken.

Warm, soft focaccia with fresh herbs offers a delightful textural contrast and helps soak up the delicious Parmesan sauce.

How to Keep Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Fresh

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to prevent drying out.
• Warm chicken in 325F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce's creamy consistency and prevent chicken from becoming tough.

FAQs

• What makes the Caesar sauce unique?

The sauce combines classic Caesar ingredients like anchovies, Parmesan, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.

• Can I make this dish without anchovies?

Yes, you can omit anchovies if you don’t enjoy their taste. The sauce will still be flavorful with the Parmesan, garlic, and other ingredients.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb?

Absolutely! This chicken dish is naturally low-carb, making it perfect for those following keto or low-carbohydrate eating plans.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), which ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

Baked Caesar Chicken With A Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent baked caesar chicken brings Italian-inspired comfort to dinner tables with its rich, tangy parmesan sauce. Crispy edges and juicy meat invite diners to savor each creamy, flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
4. Create the creamy Parmesan sauce by combining heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan.
5. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring consistently until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Cascade the velvety Parmesan sauce directly over the seared chicken breasts within the skillet.
7. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, confirming doneness when chicken internal temperature hits 165F (74C).
8. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling juices to redistribute.
9. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or crisp romaine lettuce and a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• Prep ahead by marinating chicken in Caesar dressing for extra flavor infusion before searing.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter, healthier version that still maintains creamy texture.
• Remove anchovies if sensitive to fish taste, or substitute with capers for similar umami depth without fishy notes.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more moisture and richer taste, adjusting cooking time slightly to ensure proper doneness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg