Zesty Baked Caesar Chicken With A Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

My weekend culinary experiments with caesar chicken always surprise guests, sparking unexpected conversations around the dinner table.

Unexpected flavor combinations make meals memorable and exciting.

Casual dinner parties deserve showstopping dishes that look complicated but come together effortlessly.

Parmesan’s rich, tangy notes create magic when blended into tender chicken breasts.

Professional chefs know simple ingredients can create restaurant-quality results at home.

Creamy sauces elevate basic proteins into something truly spectacular.

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce That Delights

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Transform boring chicken into a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen effort, using just a few pantry ingredients and one baking dish.
• Customize for Family Favorites: Easily swap cheeses or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences, making it perfect for picky eaters or adventurous food lovers.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Bake the chicken without constant monitoring, allowing you to manage other tasks while a delicious meal comes together in the oven with zero fuss.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delivers rich, creamy flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, creating a satisfying dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Ingredients to Make Baked Caesar Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein in this baked dish.

• Caesar Dressing: Creamy condiment that adds tangy and rich flavor to the chicken.
• Sour Cream: Provides a smooth and velvety texture to the sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and nutty depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a mild, aromatic garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and enhances the overall seasoning.
• Salt: Helps to balance and intensify the other flavors in the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Mediterranean taste.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, stretchy layer to the chicken.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a mild herbal note.

• Nonstick Spray: Ensures the chicken does not stick to the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps to cover and protect the chicken during initial baking.

Stepwise Cooking Instructions for Baked Caesar Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This perfect temperature ensures your chicken will cook evenly and stay super moist.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Create Creamy Caesar Sauce

• Caesar dressing
• Sour cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Salt
• Italian seasoning

Blend everything until the sauce looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Arrange Chicken in Dish

Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, creating a perfect canvas for your delicious sauce.

Step 5: Cover with Sauce

Spread the creamy Parmesan mixture generously over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a delectable coating.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).

Step 7: Add Cheesy Topping

Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken for an extra layer of gooey goodness.

Step 8: Final Bake

Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 5 more minutes. Watch the cheese turn golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in those tasty juices. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot and enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal right at home!

Tips to Make It Flavorful and Juicy

• Cover the chicken with foil during initial baking to prevent drying out and keep the meat tender and juicy.
• Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more or less Caesar dressing depending on your preference for creaminess.
• Select fresh, evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165F (75C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.

Variations to Personalize This Classic Dish

• Pesto Paradise: Replace Caesar dressing with homemade basil pesto, adding sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Ranch Remix: Swap Caesar dressing for creamy ranch, incorporating chives and diced bacon for a zesty southwestern-style chicken dish.
• Spicy Sensation: Mix sriracha into the sauce, add red pepper flakes, and top with pepper jack cheese for a fiery kick that transforms the original recipe.
• Greek-Inspired Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, blend in oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve Alongside

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the creamy, tangy Caesar sauce by cutting through the richness with their bright, refreshing acidity.
• Serve Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and olive oil create a delicious side that echoes the herbal notes in the chicken's seasoning.
• Match Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Light, fluffy quinoa mixed with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme provides a protein-packed, nutritious accompaniment that balances the creamy chicken's heaviness.
• Add Crisp Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, homemade croutons, and extra Parmesan cheese creates a mirror of the dish's flavor profile, enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Store Baked Caesar Chicken Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it’s completely cooled before sealing.

Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• What makes the Caesar dressing and Parmesan sauce special in this recipe?

The combination of Caesar dressing, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, tangy, and creamy sauce that adds incredible flavor and moisture to the chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs. Just ensure they are boneless and adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs might cook a bit faster than breasts.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb or keto-friendly?

This Baked Caesar Chicken is naturally low-carb and can fit into a keto diet, as it’s high in protein and fat with minimal carbohydrates.

Baked Caesar Chicken With A Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Savory baked caesar chicken dazzles taste buds with its irresistible blend of zesty flavors and creamy parmesan sauce. Crisp chicken breasts draped in rich caesar dressing promise a delectable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

• 3/4 cup (170 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (57 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup Caesar dressing
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Whisk together Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved.
2. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
3. Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
4. Generously spread the prepared Parmesan sauce over the chicken, completely covering the surface.
5. Carefully cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to seal in moisture.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F/75C.
7. Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the chicken for added richness.
8. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
9. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven to help retain its juices.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• For a lighter version, swap full-fat sour cream with Greek yogurt without compromising creamy texture.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F, preventing foodborne illness.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by pairing with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg