Home – Easy Recipes – Dishes – Cooking Guide

HOW TO MAKE BAKED CAESAR CHICKEN WITH PARMESAN AND CREAM SAUCE

Recipe by : chef ssentongo

This Baked Caesar Chicken with a creamy Parmesan sauce is a fantastic, restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or for impressing guests.

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating this delicious meal.

The Allure of Baked Caesar Chicken

Creamy & Cheesy: The sauce is incredibly rich and velvety.
Packed with Flavor: Caesar dressing, garlic, and Parmesan create a powerful, savory punch.
Incredibly Tender: Baking the chicken breasts in the sauce keeps them juicy and moist.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a huge win!

Gather Your Ingredients

(Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Caesar Parmesan Sauce:

1 cup (about 240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter version)
½ cup (about 120ml) Caesar dressing (creamy, not oily vinaigrette style)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the top)

For Garnish:

Fresh chopped parsley
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons (optional, for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This helps with browning.
If your chicken breasts are very thick or uneven, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness (about ¾-inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and rub it all over. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Caesar dressing, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard (if using) until well combined. The sauce might look a little separated at first, but it will come together beautifully in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Choose a baking dish just large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer without too much extra space. A 9×13-inch dish usually works well.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the dish.
Pour the creamy Caesar sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is covered.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil. The chicken should be mostly cooked through at this point.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This rich chicken dish pairs wonderfully with:

Pasta: Serve it over a bed of fettuccine, linguine, or penne to soak up all that incredible sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting base.
Rice: Jasmine or long-grain white rice works perfectly.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Chef’s Tips & Tricks for Success

Don’t Skip the Pounding: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is the #1 secret to preventing dry, overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Grating your own from a block of Parmesan will give you a much smoother, more flavorful sauce.
Choose the Right Dressing: A creamy, classic Caesar dressing (like Ken’s Steakhouse, Cardini’s, or Marie’s) works best. Avoid a thin, oily vinaigrette-style Caesar.
Sauce Too Thin? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a quick slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. After baking, remove the chicken and whisk the slurry into the hot sauce in the pan. Place it back on the stovetop over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened.
Add Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before serving.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade Baked Caesar Chicken! It’s sure to become a new family favorite.

#easyrecipe09 #easyrecipe06 #easyrecipe006

HEALTHY MEALS