Last summer, I threw together this Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce for a casual dinner with friends, and it vanished before I could snap a second photo. The chicken stays so juicy, soaking up that garlicky, cheesy goodness while the sauce bubbles into pure comfort. One bite, and you’ll get why it’s become my go-to for quick weeknight wins or even birthday dinner recipes – tender meat main dishes don’t get much better.
Picture this: the aroma of parmesan melting with hints of lemon and garlic filling your kitchen around 6 PM, just as everyone’s starving. No fuss, minimal cleanup, and flavors that punch way above their weight. This dinner recipe transforms simple chicken into a gourmet meal everyone raves about, especially when paired with roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.
Ingredients for Baked Caesar Chicken
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- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even 3/4-inch thickness
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (creamy style)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
These measure up to 4 servings, scaling easy for dinner with friends recipes. The Caesar dressing brings that tangy zing, while sour cream keeps the sauce velvety.
How to Make Meal Recipe Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil – this prevents sticking and adds a subtle crisp.
- Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to the baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk Caesar dressing, sour cream, lemon juice, and half the Parmesan until smooth. Pour over chicken, topping with remaining cheese.
- Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5-10 more until chicken hits 165°F internally – juices run clear, sauce bubbles dreamily.
- Rest 5 minutes, slice, spoon sauce over, and sprinkle parsley. Done – your gourmet meals await.
That sear locks in juices, making every forkful melt-in-your-mouth tender. Total time? Under 40 minutes for this dinner recipe gem.
Pro Tips for Chicken Recipes for Dinner
Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking – no dry edges here. Use a meat thermometer; it’s a game-changer for juicy results every time.
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or Caesar salad for full effect.
- Portion for meal prep – adds protein punch to lunches.
- Pair with crusty bread to mop up every creamy drop.
- No sour cream? Greek yogurt works, keeps it light.
- Dairy-free: Coconut cream + nutritional yeast for sauce.
- Caesar dressing out? Mix mayo, lemon, anchovy paste, garlic.
- Chicken thighs instead – bake 5 minutes longer.
- Sauce too thick? Whisk in a splash of milk before pouring.
- Chicken drying out? Cover longer or check temp early.
- Not flavorful enough? Marinate chicken in half the dressing 30 minutes ahead.
- Low-carb: Skip any sides, serve over zucchini noodles.
- Spicy gourmet meals twist: Dijon mustard in the sauce for tang.
- One-pan dinner with friends: Toss broccoli around chicken before baking.
- Crowd-pleaser: Top with crushed croutons pre-bake for crunch.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts silkier than pre-shredded – trust me, it makes the sauce cling perfectly.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like subtle heat in your meat main dishes.
- Let it rest post-bake; juices redistribute for max tenderness.
Baked Caesar Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil.
- Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to dish.
- Whisk Caesar dressing, sour cream, lemon juice, and half the Parmesan. Pour over chicken; top with remaining cheese.
- Bake covered 20 minutes. Uncover, bake 5-10 minutes until 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly for best results.
- Sear optional but adds flavor.
- Serve with potatoes or salad.
