If you love the flavors of Caesar salad but want something heartier for dinner, this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts baked with creamy Caesar dressing, topped with melted provolone cheese, and finished off with a crunchy Caesar-style crouton crust. It’s a comforting dish packed with bold flavor, yet surprisingly simple to throw together. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a crowd-pleasing meal that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of textures and tastes. Each item plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life, from the moisture and tang of the Caesar dressing to the gooey cheese and crispy crouton topping.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: The star that infuses the chicken with that signature Caesar flavor.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a rich and mild layer between the dressing and croutons.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed into crumbs, they give the dish a satisfying crunchy finish.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your chicken won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Getting this step right sets the foundation for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange the pounded chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle a quarter teaspoon each of salt and black pepper over the chicken, seasoning it evenly. Simple seasoning allows the Caesar dressing to truly shine while enhancing the natural chicken flavor.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Caesar Dressing and Provolone
Spread the creamy Caesar dressing over each chicken breast in an even layer. Be generous—it’s what gives the chicken that irresistible tang and moisture. Next, layer slices of provolone cheese on top, making sure each breast is fully covered with cheese to create a luscious melting layer as it bakes.
Step 4: Prepare the Crouton Crust
Take your Caesar-style croutons and crush them inside a large Ziplock bag until they become fine crumbs. Sprinkle this crunchy crust evenly over the melted provolone cheese. This step adds a delightful texture contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the crouton topping turns golden brown. If you notice the topping browning too fast, loosely tent the dish with foil to prevent burning while the chicken finishes cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh and vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the finished chicken. A light squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright zing that complements the creamy richness beautifully. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s appearance and flavor without stealing the spotlight.
Side Dishes
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or buttery garlic mashed potatoes. Consider a side of steamed asparagus or a medley of colorful roasted bell peppers to bring extra freshness and balance to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken breasts and serve them atop a bed of romaine lettuce with a drizzle of additional Caesar dressing and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This turns the chicken into a hearty salad entrée. Alternatively, place the chicken in soft sandwich rolls with lettuce and tomato for a comforting, flavorful chicken sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the crouton topping intact might be tricky, so add a few extra croutons fresh before reheating if you want to retain that crunch.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the baked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To keep the crispy texture, freeze the topping separately and add it after reheating the chicken.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered, so it warms evenly and the topping stays crispy. Microwaving can make the crust soggy, so oven reheating is best for preserving texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may require a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
What if I don’t have Caesar-style croutons?
No worries! You can substitute regular croutons, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even panko crumbs mixed with a pinch of garlic powder and Parmesan cheese to recreate the tasty crunchy topping.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free croutons or breadcrumbs, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of your Caesar dressing and croutons to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping the provolone for a dairy-free cheese alternative and choosing a dairy-free Caesar dressing, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The juices should also run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe enough for busy nights or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s flavorful, comforting, and downright addictive with its combination of creamy Caesar dressing, melty cheese, and crunchy topping. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crunchy Caesar-style crouton topping. Baked to perfection in under 40 minutes, it’s a flavorful, family-friendly dinner that’s simple to prepare and impresses every time.
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 Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and to help with easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Apply the Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast to infuse them with rich, tangy flavor. Then layer the chicken breasts with slices of provolone cheese, covering them completely to create a deliciously melty top.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Place the Caesar-style croutons in a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Sprinkle these crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese-topped chicken to provide a crunchy contrast.
- Bake Until Cooked Through: Place the pan on the center oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for the topping to turn golden brown. If the crouton crumbs brown too quickly, tent the baking dish loosely with foil to prevent burning. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack if preferred.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, use fresh croutons instead of store-bought to crush.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
