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
Scale
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.
