Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Name: Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup Caesar dressing; 1/2 cup sour cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Baked Caesar Chicken topped with creamy Parmesan sauce and garnished with herbs.

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Creamy, juicy, and satisfyingly savory — this Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the kind of weeknight hero that feels like comfort food but tastes restaurant-good. In about 40 minutes you get a tender chicken breast smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that browns beautifully under a blanket of melted mozzarella. Fun fact: Caesar flavors pair surprisingly well with everyday pantry staples, so you can make this anytime without a long shopping list.

If you love creamy chicken recipes, you might also enjoy the flavors in garlic butter chicken bites with creamy parmesan pasta and spinach, a family favorite on our blog. This Baked Caesar Chicken stands out because it’s simple, quick to prepare, and very family-friendly — dinner that kids and parents both approve. Read on, and get excited to bake something savory and comforting tonight.

What is Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce?

What’s in a name? Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce sounds fancy, but it’s really comfort food with a Caesar salad attitude. Think: Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese teaming up to form a luscious, tangy sauce that hugs juicy baked chicken. Who decided to call it Caesar chicken anyway — is there a salad involved or just the signature Caesar flavors? Maybe someone thought, Why not give roast chicken a tuxedo of garlic, cheese, and creamy dressing? As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Give it a try and see if it wins over everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This:

Irresistible creaminess: The rich Parmesan-sour cream-Caesar combo coats each bite, delivering tangy, nutty, and savory notes that make ordinary chicken extraordinary.
Budget-friendly and easy: You don’t need expensive cuts or complicated techniques. Boneless, skinless breasts bake quickly and stretch to feed a family.
Toppings and texture: Add a sprinkling of mozzarella for a golden finish and fresh parsley for brightness — small details that take this from good to unforgettable.

If you enjoyed bolder coastal flavors like our Cajun shrimp and salmon with garlic cream sauce, this recipe shows a different side of comfort — milder, creamier, and more universal. Try it tonight and see why it’s a new staple.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is delightfully straightforward: mix a creamy sauce, coat chicken breasts, bake covered until juicy and cooked through, then finish uncovered with mozzarella for a golden top. Prep time is roughly 10 minutes, bake time about 30–35 minutes, and total time around 40–45 minutes. The standout is the creamy Parmesan sauce that keeps the chicken moist and full of flavor with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Caesar dressing
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Use a 9×13 or similar-sized dish so the chicken fits comfortably in a single layer.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels first for better sauce adhesion. Spoon the creamy sauce over each chicken breast, spreading it to coat evenly so every bite is saucy.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when tested at the thickest part. If using a thick chicken breast, err on the longer side of the time range.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top (if using), and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. This step creates a delicious cheesy crust.
Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes after baking to let juices redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.

Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce

What to Serve With:

Crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for color and texture.
Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up extra sauce.
A side of rice pilaf or buttered pasta for a hearty plate.
Drink pairing: a chilled glass of Chardonnay, a light Pinot Grigio, or iced tea for a family-friendly option.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking: take breasts out of the fridge 10–15 minutes before baking.
Pound thicker breasts to an even thickness if needed so everything finishes at the same time.
Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter tang and added protein.
If you prefer a crisper top, broil for 1–2 minutes after removing foil — watch closely to avoid burning.
Avoid overbaking: check internal temperature with a meat thermometer for reliably juicy results.
For extra garlic punch, stir in 1 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic to the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 325°F oven uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals to avoid drying; cover with a damp paper towel to preserve moisture.
To revive creaminess after freezing, stir a tablespoon of milk or cream into the sauce before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, but adjust the baking time. Bone-in pieces will take longer — expect 40–50 minutes covered, then finish uncovered until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Most Caesar dressings are gluten-free, but always check the label. If you need to be certain, use a certified gluten-free Caesar dressing and check seasonings.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add the mozzarella and bake as directed when ready.

What can I use instead of Caesar dressing?
You can substitute an equal amount of ranch or a mixture of mayonnaise and lemon juice if you want a different tang profile. The Parmesan and sour cream are key for texture.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken, add a little extra grated Parmesan or reduce the sauce on the stovetop before coating the chicken. To thin, stir in a tablespoon or two of milk or cream.

Conclusion

This Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce proves that quick, simple weeknight dinners can be both comforting and special. With minimal prep and pantry-friendly ingredients, you’ll get tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for family meals or easy dinner hosting. If you want another take on Caesar-inspired chicken, check this Melt in Your Mouth Caesar Chicken Recipe for inspiration and variations. Give this recipe a try tonight — it’s an easy way to make everyone gather at the table.