If you are craving a dish that combines rich flavors with effortless preparation, you are going to love this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe. It’s a perfect example of comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Tender chicken breasts get a luscious coating of creamy Caesar dressing, topped with melty provolone cheese and crunchy croutons for that irresistible texture contrast. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe makes the whole experience approachable and satisfying, delivering classic Caesar salad flavors in a whole new, warm, and cozy way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze because this recipe relies on simple, familiar components that work together beautifully to create that signature Caesar flavor. Each item plays a crucial role in the taste, texture, and color of this dish, making it both hearty and inviting.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness, this ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and stays juicy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to season and bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: This is the star sauce that infuses the chicken with tangy, garlicky goodness.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Offers a mild, creamy melt that complements the dressing perfectly.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed to create a crunchy topping that adds texture and a burst of flavor.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit—this is the perfect temperature to cook the chicken evenly while giving the crouton topping a chance to crisp up beautifully. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent any sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts snugly in a single layer inside your prepared baking dish. Season them with the salt and black pepper, making sure each piece is coated evenly. This simple seasoning step is vital as it enhances the natural chicken flavor without overshadowing the Caesar components.
Step 3: Coat with Creamy Caesar Dressing and Add Cheese
Spread the creamy Caesar dressing generously over each chicken breast. This dressing acts as a flavorful marinade right on the baking dish, infusing the meat with that familiar Caesar salad tang. Next, lay the slices of provolone cheese on top, completely covering each piece, so you get a luscious, cheesy melt when baked.
Step 4: Add the Crunch with Croutons
Take the Caesar-style croutons and crush them in a large Ziplock bag until you have coarse crumbs. Sprinkle these crunchy crumbs evenly over the cheesy layer on every chicken breast. This final layer adds a delightful texture that will turn golden brown and irresistibly crisp in the oven.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Place the dish on the center rack of your oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want to bake until the chicken is cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, and the crouton topping achieves a beautiful, golden-brown color. If you notice the crumbs browning too fast, simply cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning and continue baking.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or a touch of cracked black pepper right before serving. A few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top can also enhance the Caesar experience, adding a nutty and salty depth that pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing and cheesy crust.
Side Dishes
This chicken dish pairs exceptionally well with crisp green salads, light pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic, or even roasted vegetables to balance the rich flavors. Garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad on the side can amplify the theme and make the entire meal feel cohesive and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of freshly sautéed spinach or kale for a pop of vibrant green and extra nutrients. You can also slice the chicken and arrange it atop warm pasta or steamed rice for a versatile twist. Presentation-wise, a rustic wooden board with a wedge of lemon for squeezing adds brightness and a touch of elegance to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the chicken completely before storing to preserve its texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes beautifully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in freezer-safe containers. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain the crispiness of the topping, or microwave on medium power in short bursts if you’re in a hurry. To revive the crunch, you can pop the reheated chicken under a broiler for a minute or two.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While provolone adds a smooth, mild melt, you can experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharper cheese like cheddar depending on your flavor preference.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding helps to ensure even cooking and tenderness, but if your chicken breasts are already thin and uniform, you can skip this step.
Can I use homemade Caesar dressing instead of store-bought?
Yes! Homemade Caesar dressing will add a fresh, custom touch to your dish. Just make sure it’s creamy so it sticks well to the chicken.
Are there ways to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, opt for a dairy-free Caesar dressing and substitute the provolone cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well.
What can I do if I don’t have Caesar-style croutons?
You can use regular croutons seasoned with a little garlic powder and Parmesan or even crushed tortilla chips for an unexpected but tasty crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is a true kitchen winner that brings together classic Caesar flavors with the comforting warmth of a baked dish. Its straightforward preparation and delightful blend of textures and tastes make it a recipe you’ll want to come back to time and again. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite at your table.
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 baked chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a crunchy crouton topping. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish requires minimal prep and baking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Season Chicken: Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle with salt and black pepper to season.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast, then layer the provolone cheese slices on top, covering each piece completely for melty, rich flavor.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Place the Caesar-style croutons in a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Evenly sprinkle these crumbs over the cheese-covered chicken breasts to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the dish on the center oven rack for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping turns golden brown. If the crumbs brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
- Use fresh croutons for the best crunchy topping.
- If crouton topping browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during baking.
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes after baking for juicier results.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
