If you’re craving a dish that blends the classic familiarity of Caesar salad flavors with the hearty satisfaction of baked chicken, then you’re in for a treat. This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with melty provolone cheese, and finished off with a crispy, flavorful crouton crust. It’s an effortless yet impressive meal that feels like a cozy restaurant dish you can whip up right at home, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential for crafting the delicious layers of flavor and texture in this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe. Each component—from the seasoning to the crispy crouton topping—plays a vital role in creating a perfectly balanced dish.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural chicken flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spice that complements the creamy dressing.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: The star of the dish, providing that classic tangy, garlicky richness.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a mild, creamy texture.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed to form a crispy, golden topping that brings satisfying crunch.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing the topping to crisp up nicely. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the greased baking dish. Season each piece evenly with salt and black pepper — simple seasoning that lets the Caesar dressing shine without competing with it.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Caesar Dressing
Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over every chicken breast. This not only infuses the chicken with that irresistible garlicky, tangy flavor but also keeps the meat moist as it bakes.
Step 4: Layer with Provolone Cheese
Top each coated chicken breast with slices of provolone cheese. Covering each piece completely ensures a deliciously gooey cheesy layer that complements the Caesar dressing perfectly.
Step 5: Sprinkle the Crouton Crumbs
Place the Caesar-style croutons into a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Sprinkle these evenly over the cheese layer to create that signature crunchy crust that’s packed with Caesar salad flavor.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Juicy
Bake the dish on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the crumb topping to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on the crust so it doesn’t brown too quickly — if it does, tent the dish loosely with foil for the rest of the baking time. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top can brighten the dish visually and add an extra touch of fresh flavor that pairs beautifully with the Caesar elements.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines alongside a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or even garlic mashed potatoes. The creamy and crunchy contrast of the chicken pairs especially well with light, fresh sides that won’t overwhelm its distinctive taste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can slice the chicken and serve it atop a bed of Caesar salad greens for a warm and hearty salad. Alternatively, serve it alongside garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired meal that guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Easy Baked Caesar Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the textures.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to help maintain the crunchy topping and juicy interior, or microwave for a quicker option but with less crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! While provolone melts beautifully and has a mild flavor, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be great substitutes if you prefer a slightly different taste and texture.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy. It’s a helpful step but if your chicken breasts are already uniform, you can skip this part.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free Caesar dressing, skip the cheese, or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative. The crouton topping can stay the same unless you find a dairy-free option.
What can I substitute for Caesar-style croutons?
If you can’t find Caesar-style croutons, plain croutons seasoned with a bit of garlic powder and Parmesan seasoning work well to mimic the intended flavor and crunch.
How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The safest way is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s juicy and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe — a dish that’s flavorful, simple, and satisfying, all at once. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal, it always delivers. I encourage you to give it a try and discover just how easy and delicious home cooking can be when you combine classic flavors in a new and exciting way.
Print
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a crunchy crouton topping. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish delivers classic Caesar salad flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Toppings
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Season Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Season them evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast. Then, cover each piece completely with provolone cheese slices for a melty, rich topping.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into crumbs inside a large Ziplock bag. Sprinkle the crushed croutons evenly over the provolone-covered chicken to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake Until Cooked and Golden: Place the baking dish on the center oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown. If the crouton topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while cooking completes.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an equal thickness before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Cover with foil if the crouton topping browns too fast to avoid burning.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- Crispier topping can be achieved by broiling for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
