Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

By Muhammad Faizan

Description

Baked Caesar Chicken is a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dish made with tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy Caesar-Parmesan sauce. The Caesar dressing adds tangy, savory depth while the Parmesan melts into a rich, velvety topping that bakes into a golden crust. It’s minimal prep, comforting, and perfect with pasta, rice, roasted veggies, or salad.

Servings

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Ingredients For

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Creamy Parmesan Caesar Sauce

  • 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing (use a good-quality one)

  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)

  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning

Topping

  • ¼ cup shredded Parmesan

  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

  2. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

  3. Prepare the sauce:

    • In a bowl, combine Caesar dressing, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.

    • Mix until smooth.

  4. Assemble:

    • Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish.

    • Spoon the creamy Caesar-Parmesan mixture evenly over each breast.

    • Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan.

  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

  6. Broil (optional) for 2–3 minutes to brown the top.

  7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

  • Over pasta or rice

  • With roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts

  • With mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash

  • Paired with a crisp Caesar salad for a Caesar-themed dinner

Chef’s Notes

  • A thicker Caesar dressing creates a richer sauce.

  • If chicken breasts are very thick, butterfly them or pound to even thickness for faster, more even cooking.

  • You can use chicken thighs; add 5–10 extra minutes of baking time.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the Parmesan—it helps thicken the sauce as it bakes.

  • For extra richness, add 2 tbsp cream cheese to the sauce.

  • If a crispier topping is desired, mix ¼ cup panko with 1 tbsp melted butter and add before broiling.

  • Use a thermometer for perfect doneness—overbaking makes chicken dry.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 390

  • Protein: 36 g

  • Carbohydrates: 4 g

  • Fat: 25 g

  • Fiber: 0 g

  • Sugar: 2 g

  • Sodium: 760 mg

(Values vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Health Benefits

  • High in lean protein, which supports muscle repair and satiety.

  • Uses Greek yogurt option for probiotics and reduced fat.

  • Contains Parmesan, a natural source of calcium and umami flavor.

  • Easy to pair with vegetables for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 5–8 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Q: Can I freeze it?

A: Yes, freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Q: What Caesar dressing works best?

A: A high-quality creamy dressing (homemade, refrigerated brands, or premium bottled dressings) provides the best flavor and thickness.

Q: Can I make it lower in fat?

A: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and choose a lighter Caesar dressing.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes—provided the Caesar dressing you choose is certified gluten-free.

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