Baked Caesar Chicken with a Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Tender chicken breasts baked to perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with classic Caesar flavors. This dish offers a delightful twist on traditional Caesar salad by transforming it into a hearty main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
*For the Chicken:*
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
*For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:*
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional for a classic Caesar flavor)
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
*For Garnish:*
– Chopped fresh parsley or romaine lettuce
– Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovies (if using), lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
4. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley or romaine lettuce and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
– For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the chicken in a little lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
– Adjust anchovy amounts based on your taste preference; they add depth but can be omitted if desired.
– Serve over a bed of steamed vegetables or alongside a crisp salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
- Sugar: Approximately 3g per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 600mg per serving
- Fat: Approximately 22g per serving
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 12g per serving
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 10g per serving
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5g per serving
- Fiber: Approximately 1g per serving
- Protein: Approximately 32g per serving
- Cholesterol: Approximately 110mg per serving