I still remember the first time I baked this Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe — it was one of those evenings when I wanted something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy, tangy sauce transformed simple chicken into something special.
Everyone at the table went back for seconds, and the dish quickly became a regular in my dinner rotation. If you love easy meals that taste like restaurant food, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep handy.
It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. You can also enjoy similar appetizers like Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Pretzel Rolls Recipe or Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe as a starter alongside this chicken.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this creamy and flavorful chicken dish:
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts — Choose pieces of similar size so they cook evenly.
- 1 cup creamy Caesar dressing — This provides the signature tangy, savory base.
- ½–1 cup grated Parmesan cheese — Freshly grated melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-packaged cheese.
- ½ cup sour cream — Adds extra creaminess and keeps the chicken moist while baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder — Gives flavor without the need for fresh chopping.
- Salt, to taste — Enhances the overall flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste — Adds mild spice and depth.
- Lemon wedges — Brighten the finished dish when served.
- Fresh parsley, chopped — Adds freshness and color as garnish.
Note: This recipe serves approximately 3–4 people depending on portion size.
Pro Tips:
• Avoid using frozen chicken unless completely thawed to prevent watery sauce.
• Freshly grated Parmesan delivers better texture and flavor.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe depending on your taste or dietary needs:
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free Caesar dressing and coconut cream or dairy-free sour cream alternatives.
- Lighter version: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping creaminess.
- Flavor boost: Add minced garlic, crushed red pepper, or anchovy paste for extra punch.
- Vegetable add-ins: Bake broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini alongside the chicken for a full meal.
- Crispy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top and broil briefly for crunch. You could also pair with Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe for a veggie-filled side.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long the dish takes from start to finish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: About 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking dish — Holds chicken and sauce for oven cooking.
- Mixing bowl — Used to combine sauce ingredients.
- Whisk or fork — Helps blend sauce smoothly.
- Oven — Needed for baking.
- Meat thermometer — Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This dish is simple to prepare and mostly hands-off once it goes into the oven, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Preheat & Prepare Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish. Pat chicken breasts dry so the sauce sticks better. Arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
Mix the Creamy Sauce
Combine Caesar dressing, sour cream, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This sauce delivers all the rich flavor in the dish.
Arrange & Bake
Place chicken in the dish and pour sauce evenly over each piece. Cover with foil and bake until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove foil for the final minutes if you want light browning.
Rest & Garnish
Let the chicken rest briefly after baking so juices settle. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve with lemon wedges for brightness.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned after making this recipe multiple times:
- I let chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly.
- Adding a little lemon zest to the sauce brightens the flavor beautifully.
- When I want extra sauce, I double the mixture so leftovers can be served over pasta or rice.
- Fresh cheese always melts better than packaged versions.
- If the sauce thickens too much during reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream.
How to Serve Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
This dish pairs wonderfully with many sides, making it versatile for any dinner table.
Serve alongside mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness nicely. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for catching every bit of sauce left on the plate.
For presentation, spoon extra sauce around the chicken, garnish with parsley, and add lemon wedges for color and freshness.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving:
- Calories: Around 700 kcal
- Protein: About 60 g
- Carbohydrates: Around 3–5 g
- Fat: Approximately 50–55 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating
You can assemble the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Cook when ready to serve for fresh flavor.
Freezing
Cooked portions can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore the sauce’s smooth texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe checks all the boxes for comfort food while remaining easy and flexible.
- Quick and easy preparation makes it ideal for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.
- Rich, creamy sauce turns simple chicken into something special and satisfying.
- Versatile enough for family meals or entertaining guests.
- Leftovers taste fantastic, making meal prep easier.
- Ingredients are easy to customize based on dietary preferences.
This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe delivers comforting flavor, simple preparation, and flexible serving options all in one dish. Once you try it, it’s likely to become part of your regular meal rotation.
