Lu-Ann Simon December 29, 2025

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Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Name: Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing; ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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There is something wonderfully comforting about a warm, saucy chicken dish sliding from the oven, the kitchen filling with a buttery Parmesan scent, and the first cut revealing a tender, juicy interior. Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is that cozy weeknight hero that feels special enough for guests, yet easy enough for a busy evening. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad, and it becomes an effortless family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

This dish combines the bright, tangy flavors of Caesar with a rich, silky Parmesan cream, so every bite balances savory, creamy, and fresh notes. The sauce clings to the chicken as it bakes, turning the exterior golden while keeping the meat inside wonderfully juicy. It is the kind of comfort food that still feels refined on the plate.

Reasons to reach for this recipe

Quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without fuss
Family friendly, flavors that both kids and adults enjoy
Versatile, pairs easily with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple grain
Easy to scale, make one pan for two or double up for meal prep

What You’ll Need

Think of the ingredients as the building blocks for flavor and texture, the dressing and sour cream make a luxuriously tangy base while Parmesan adds savory depth. You can swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a brighter tang and fewer calories.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
½ cup sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish, optional

These pantry-friendly items come together without fuss, and the simple list means you can usually pull this off with staples you already have.

How to Cook Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Preheat the oven to 375°F, set a rack in the center so the heat circulates evenly and the sauce bubbles gently. You will smell a faint warm, toasty air as the oven comes to temperature.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, pressing the seasoning in so it adheres. This simple step builds the savory backbone you will taste under the creamy sauce.
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy Caesar dressing, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and slightly glossy. The mixture should be thick but spreadable, flecked with grated Parmesan.
Place the chicken breasts in a lightly oiled baking dish, spaced so heat can reach all sides, and spread the creamy sauce evenly over each breast with a spoon or spatula. You will see the sauce coat the chicken in a pale, rich blanket that will brown at the edges.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, juices running clear when poked. During the last 5 minutes the top will turn lightly golden and the sauce will bubble, releasing a tempting savory aroma.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Resting helps the juices settle, so the meat stays moist when you slice it.

If you like creamy, comforting flavors try the similar twist of one-pan creamy Parmesan chicken rice for another easy weeknight idea.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 25 to 30 minutes, Total ~ 35 to 45 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 500 per serving

Make-Ahead and Prep Tips

A few small prep steps ahead of time make dinner feel effortless. You can mix the creamy Caesar-Parmesan sauce up to 24 hours in advance, stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Keeping the sauce separate until ready to bake preserves its texture and freshness. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season them, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours so they cook evenly. For a full make-ahead meal, assemble the chicken and sauce in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate; bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

If you want to prep components for a larger batch, the sauce freezes well in a sealed container for up to 2 months, though freshly grated Parmesan tends to hold its best texture when made fresh. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

How to Store Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature for no more than two hours, then transfer to an airtight container before refrigerating. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep portions longer, wrap individual pieces tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave a little headspace to allow expansion and label with the date.

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then warm gently in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 to 20 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent the sauce from drying. For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce, stirring gently until warmed, or place in a 350°F oven covered for 10 to 15 minutes. A freshness cue is the aroma, it should smell bright and savory, not sour or overly tangy; if the sauce smells off, discard.

Perfect Pairings

Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in olive oil, salt, and cracked black pepper
Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce
A simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness
Steamed green beans or asparagus with a squeeze of lemon
Buttered egg noodles or a bed of rice for an easy, comforting pairing

If you want a pasta pairing with complementary flavors, the garlic butter chicken bites recipe makes a delightful companion to this creamy style, try garlic butter chicken bites with creamy Parmesan pasta for another comforting option.

Variations and Swaps

Greek yogurt swap, for a lighter tang use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, it gives a fresher flavor and slightly thicker texture.
Herb-forward, stir chopped fresh basil or tarragon into the sauce for a fragrant lift that brightens the dish.
Crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with a little olive oil and extra Parmesan, sprinkle on top halfway through baking for a golden crisp finish.
Lemon brightness, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce to cut through the richness and add a sunny note.
Spicy kick, fold in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the sauce for gentle heat that balances the cream.
Cheesy variation, swap part of the Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier edge if you prefer a bolder cheese flavor.
Make it a bake for more people, double the recipe and roast on a rimmed sheet for a larger family-style portion, making sure pieces do not overlap.
Add vegetables, nestle halved cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, or thinly sliced onions around the chicken in the baking dish to roast in the sauce and add color.

All variations keep the dish alcohol free and suitable for weeknight comfort cooking.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 165°F in the thickest part of the breast for safe, juicy chicken.
Even thickness, pound thicker breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly and finish at the same time.
Avoid overcrowding, give each breast space in the pan so heat circulates and the sauce evenly bubbles and browns.
Let it rest, allow 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute, which keeps the meat moist when you slice.
Fresh Parmesan, grate your own cheese if possible, it melts more smoothly and has better flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Watch the sauce late in baking, if it begins to brown too quickly tent loosely with foil for even cooking without burning the top.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

What type of Caesar dressing should I use for the best flavor?
Choose a creamy Caesar dressing you enjoy eating on a salad, one with good anchovy and garlic notes if you want a traditional Caesar profile. A higher quality dressing will give a richer, deeper flavor to the sauce, but a milder supermarket variety also works for an everyday version.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay very juicy, though they will need slightly longer to reach the safe internal temperature because they are thicker and contain more connective tissue. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F, and expect a few extra minutes in the oven.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?
You can freeze assembled, uncooked chicken in the sauce for up to 2 months, but freeze quickly to preserve texture, then thaw overnight before baking. Cooked portions freeze well too; wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before reheating gently.

How can I make this lower in calories?
Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, choose a light Caesar dressing, and serve with lots of steamed vegetables or a green salad rather than a starchy side. Pounding the chicken thin reduces cooking time, which can help preserve texture with leaner, lower calorie components.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers so the sauce does not separate?
Warm slowly over low heat on the stove with a splash of milk or chicken broth, stirring gently until the sauce emulsifies back together. Reheating gradually prevents the dairy from separating and keeps the texture creamy.

Can I prepare this for a crowd?
Double or triple the ingredients and bake in a large shallow roasting pan, making sure pieces do not overlap. For very large gatherings, consider baking multiple dishes so each piece gets even heat and the sauce cooks consistently.

Final Thoughts

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is one of those satisfying meals that feels both homey and just a little indulgent. It is quick enough for a weeknight, elegant enough for guests, and flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand. The creamy Caesar-Parmesan sauce envelopes the chicken in savory comfort, and the simple steps let the ingredients shine. Give it a go this week, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors that make it an easy go-to.

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

Comforting baked chicken dish featuring a creamy Parmesan Caesar sauce, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and set a rack in the center.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a mixing bowl, combine Caesar dressing, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and Parmesan cheese; stir until smooth.
Place chicken in a lightly oiled baking dish and spread the sauce evenly over each breast.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.