Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce – A Rich, Effortless Dinner Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is creamy, comforting, and incredibly easy. The Caesar dressing does most of the flavor work for you, providing tang, umami, and garlic warmth. As the chicken bakes, the sauce thickens and transforms into a rich, parmesan-forward coating that keeps the meat juicy. No stovetop steps, no complicated techniques. You can customize it with extra herbs, spoon it over pasta, or serve it with roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s ideal for busy nights yet impressive enough for guests, thanks to its silky texture and complex flavor profile.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. They stay tender under the creamy sauce and absorb the Caesar flavors well.

Caesar dressing
The main flavor component. Choose a thick, good-quality dressing for the best texture and richness.

Sour cream or mayonnaise
Adds creaminess and helps thicken the sauce during baking. I’ve tried both, and each works beautifully.

Parmesan cheese
Provides salty, nutty depth and helps the sauce develop a golden top.

Garlic
Freshly minced garlic reinforces the Caesar flavor and enhances the savory notes.

Lemon juice
A small splash brightens the sauce and balances its richness.

Italian seasoning
Adds an herbaceous note that complements the parmesan and garlic.

Salt and black pepper
Simple yet essential for balancing the creamy mixture and seasoning the chicken.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and arrange them in the baking dish.
3. In a bowl, combine Caesar dressing, sour cream or mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
4. Spread the creamy mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring full coverage.
5. Sprinkle additional parmesan over the top for a golden finish.
6. Bake for 25–35 minutes, depending on thickness, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Let the dish rest for a few minutes, then spoon the sauce over the chicken when serving.
8. Pair with pasta, rice, or roasted greens for a complete meal.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and baking requires 25–35 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven or in a covered skillet over low heat to keep the chicken tender. Leftovers are excellent served over pasta or tucked into wraps.

Variations and Customizations

Crispy Topping Version
Add breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan for a crunchy top layer.

Herb-Forward Caesar Chicken
Include extra parsley or basil for fresher, brighter flavor.

Spicy Caesar Chicken
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.

Low-Carb Option
Serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower puree instead of pasta.

Chicken Thigh Variation
Use boneless thighs for an even juicier alternative.

Bacon Caesar Chicken
Sprinkle cooked bacon pieces over the top before baking.

Lemon-Pepper Twist
Increase the lemon juice and add lemon zest for a zippier finish.

Extra-Garlic Version
Double the garlic for fans of stronger aromatics.

Spinach Caesar Bake
Layer fresh spinach under the chicken to create a creamy baked base.

Pesto Caesar Chicken
Mix a spoonful of pesto into the sauce for herbal depth and complexity.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade Caesar dressing?

Yes, and it can make the dish even more flavorful.

2. Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No, the chicken bakes beautifully without searing.

3. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, it adds tang and keeps the sauce creamy.

4. Will light Caesar dressing work?

It can, but the sauce may be thinner and less rich.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

6. Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Root vegetables or zucchini work well, though they may release moisture.

7. Does this freeze well?

Freezing is possible, but the sauce may separate slightly when reheated.

8. How do I prevent dry chicken?

Avoid overbaking and ensure the chicken is covered fully with sauce.

9. Can I use shredded parmesan instead of grated?

Grated melts more smoothly, but shredded works for topping.

10. What side dishes pair best?

Pasta, rice, steamed broccoli, and roasted potatoes complement the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce is a dependable, flavorful, and satisfying recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting main dish. The creamy Caesar sauce enriches the chicken while keeping it moist, and the parmesan adds irresistible depth. With minimal prep and maximum reward, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate how easily it fits into your rotation — a creamy, savory classic that always delivers.

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