Creamy Baked Caesar Chicken with Parmesan Sauce (Print Version)

Enjoy tender Baked Caesar Chicken smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. A family favorite, easy weeknight meal with simple ingredients.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Base

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
05 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing

→ Flavor Enhancers

07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that chicken ready for our Baked Caesar Chicken. Pat your boneless, skinless chicken breasts really dry with paper towels – this is super important for getting a good sear! If they're extra thick, slice them horizontally to make thinner cutlets. Drizzle them with a little olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Get those hands in there and rub it all over.
02 - Now, grab a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my fave for this!) and heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. You're looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. This isn't about cooking them through, just building flavor and color for our Baked Caesar Chicken. Don't crowd the pan; work in batches if you need to!
03 - With the chicken briefly set aside, reduce the heat to medium. Add your minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it's fragrant – oh, that smell! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan; those are flavor bombs! Then, stir in the heavy cream and your favorite Caesar dressing. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, just until it starts to thicken slightly for your Baked Caesar Chicken.
04 - At this point, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it's completely melted and smooth. Taste the sauce – this is where you adjust! Does it need more salt? A crack of fresh pepper? Maybe a little extra Caesar dressing if you're like me and love that tangy kick. This sauce is what makes this Baked Caesar Chicken shine, so make it sing!
05 - Carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into that incredible creamy Parmesan sauce. Make sure they're mostly submerged. Now, transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Don't overcook it, or it'll get dry!
06 - Once your Baked Caesar Chicken is perfectly cooked and bubbling, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? Pure happiness!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip searing the chicken; it builds so much flavor before it even hits the oven.
02 - I always make a little extra sauce because it's just that good over rice or pasta the next day.
03 - If you're out of fresh Parmesan, a good quality block Parmesan works fine, just avoid the pre-grated stuff.
04 - Serving this with some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce is a game-changer, trust me!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - measuring cups and spoons
05 - whisk
06 - meat thermometer

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 35g

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