Description
This delicious Chicken with Creamy Parmesan Sauce recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich and flavorful sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and herbs. Perfectly seasoned and optionally seared before baking, the chicken absorbs the creamy sauce for a comforting and elegant meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Parmesan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) ensuring it’s ready for baking the chicken shortly.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture. Rub each breast evenly with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for balanced flavor.
- Sear Chicken (Optional): For a golden crust, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step adds depth to the flavor and texture but can be skipped.
- Make Parmesan Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble for Baking: Place the seasoned (and seared if desired) chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Pour the creamy Parmesan sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
- Bake Chicken: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the sauce and chicken top to brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken, spoon the creamy sauce over the top, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption.
- Searing the chicken before baking is optional but adds a nice golden color and extra flavor.
- You can substitute dried thyme with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs according to your preference.
- Serve this dish with steamed vegetables, pasta, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken, Parmesan Sauce, Creamy Chicken, Baked Chicken, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
