This baked chicken is the ultimate cozy dinner: perfectly seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a velvety, homemade Caesar-Parmesan cream sauce that bakes up golden and bubbly. The sauce clings beautifully, infusing every bite with garlicky tang, creamy richness, and nutty Parmesan—think classic Caesar salad vibes but in hearty, protein-packed form. It’s quick to prep, family-friendly, and feels indulgent without being fussy. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something satisfying and elegant.

Why This Dish is a Winner:

One-dish wonder: Season, sauce, bake—no extra pans.
Bold yet balanced: Tangy Caesar dressing meets creamy sour cream and melted Parmesan.
Juicy chicken: Baking in the sauce keeps it moist and flavorful.
Customizable: Adjust spice, cheese, or add crunch for texture.
Leftover-friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each; pound to even thickness if uneven for uniform cooking)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked for extra depth, optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about ½ tsp each)

For the Creamy Caesar-Parmesan Sauce:

1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought classic or homemade; use a good-quality one for best flavor)
½ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist)
¾–1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided; use real Parmigiano-Reggiano for best melt)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano/basil blend)
Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 minced fresh garlic clove for extra garlic punch
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat

Garnish & Finish:

1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Optional: Extra grated Parmesan or crushed croutons for crunch on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and prep:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Season the chicken:
Pat chicken breasts very dry with paper towels. Rub all over with olive oil. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.
Make the creamy sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and any optional garlic/red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning—add a pinch more salt or lemon juice if your Caesar dressing is mild.
Assemble the bake:
Place seasoned chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the creamy Caesar mixture generously over each breast, spreading it evenly to cover completely (let some pool around the sides for extra saucy goodness). Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top for that golden, cheesy crust.
Bake to perfection:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C in the thickest part) and the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden. For extra browning and bubbly cheese, switch to broil on high for the last 2–3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning!
Rest and finish:
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes (this keeps the chicken juicy). Spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the tops. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (and optional crushed croutons for Caesar salad crunch).
Serve hot:
Plate the chicken with plenty of sauce. Enjoy immediately!

Serving Suggestions:

Over pasta (angel hair or fettuccine) or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
With roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini) or a simple green salad.
Low-carb twist: Serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed spinach.
Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping.

Pro Tips & Variations:

Thicker sauce: If you want it even creamier, add ¼ cup heavy cream or more Parmesan.
Crunchy topping: In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle crushed Caesar croutons or panko mixed with extra Parmesan for texture.
Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt and light Caesar dressing—still delicious!
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mix.
Meal prep: Bake ahead, cool, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F covered until warm (add a splash of broth if sauce thickens).
Storage: Leftovers keep in fridge 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying chicken.

This baked Caesar chicken with creamy Parmesan sauce is tender, flavorful, and ridiculously comforting—juicy chicken meets garlicky, cheesy heaven. It’s a weeknight winner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Bake it up and enjoy every saucy bite! 🍗🧀