Creamy Parmesan Baked Caesar (Printable Version)

Tender chicken baked in creamy Caesar sauce with golden Parmesan topping

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce

04 - 3/4 cup creamy Caesar dressing
05 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Topping

10 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine creamy Caesar dressing, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Spread the sauce mixture evenly over each chicken breast, using a spoon or spatula to ensure full coverage. The sauce should be thick enough to cling to the chicken.
05 - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauced chicken, followed by the additional grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful, golden crust.
06 - Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly. Avoid overbaking to prevent dry chicken.
07 - Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce creates its own luscious creamy layer while baking so you get incredible flavor without standing over a stove
  • Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day making it perfect for meal prep or lazy lunches
02 -
  • The sauce will thin out slightly during baking then thicken again as it rests so dont panic when you first pull it from the oven
  • Using a meat thermometer is the only way to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out
03 -
  • Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness so they all finish cooking at the same time
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of the pre shredded stuff for way better melting

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