Description
Make tender Baked Caesar Chicken with creamy Parmesan sauce! This easy oven dinner is packed with flavor, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or almond)
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Garnish & Finishing Touches:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional Extras:
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Homemade croutons
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken, Caesar Chicken Style:: First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is super important, honestly, it helps them get a nice sear later if you decide to go that route, or just helps the seasoning stick. Then, season them lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper. I usually do this right on the baking dish to save on cleaning extra plates. Oh, and give your baking dish a quick spray with cooking oil; trust me, future you will thank you for easier cleanup!
- Whip Up the Creamy Caesar Sauce:: Alright, time for the magic sauce! In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, that lovely Caesar dressing, half of your grated Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. I sometimes get impatient and try to use cold cream cheese, and oops, I end up with little lumps. So, make sure it’s really soft! Taste it – does it need a little more pepper? A tiny pinch of salt? Adjust it to your heart’s content, you’re the chef here!
- Coat and Bake Your Chicken:: Now, place those seasoned chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Pour that glorious, creamy Caesar sauce all over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. I like to use a spoon to really spread it evenly, getting into all the nooks and crannies. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine around this point, honestly!
- Add More Cheese for Golden Perfection:: After that initial bake, pull the dish out of the oven. Now for the best part, in my humble opinion! Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the chicken and sauce. I mean, don’t be shy here. More cheese is always a good idea, right? Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too dark!
- Let Your Chicken Rest:: This step is crucial, friends! Once the chicken is perfectly golden and cooked through, take it out of the oven. I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but letting it rest for 5-10 minutes is a game-changer. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it super tender and moist. If you slice it too soon, all those delicious juices will just run out onto your plate, and we don’t want that! This is where patience pays off.
- Garnish and Serve Your Creamy Chicken:: Finally, the grand finale! Before serving, sprinkle your freshly chopped parsley over the top. The vibrant green adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce. It just makes the whole dish look incredibly inviting. Serve your creamy chicken with your favorite sides. I love it with some crusty bread to sop up all that amazing sauce. Honestly, this dish is a winner every single time!