If you’re craving a comforting yet simple dinner that tastes like a fancy restaurant dish but comes together with ease, this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender chicken breasts baked to juicy perfection, slathered in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with melty provolone cheese, and finished with a crispy, golden crouton crust that adds the perfect crunch. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but requires minimal effort, making it ideal for busy evenings or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and incredibly accessible, yet each plays an essential role in building those rich, comforting flavors and textures. From tender chicken to the crunchy Caesar-style croutons, this combination will have your kitchen smelling amazing and your taste buds begging for more.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: Gives the chicken that classic Caesar flavor and keeps it moist.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, savory blanket over the chicken.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed to form a crunchy topping that adds great texture and flavor.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nice and hot. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easier — this step really sets you up for success in the kitchen.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a single layer within the baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning is foundational, letting the Caesar dressing and cheese shine while making sure every bite is flavorful.
Step 3: Add Creamy Caesar Dressing and Cheese
Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast. Don’t skimp here — the dressing adds moisture and that signature Caesar tang. Then, layer 2 slices of provolone cheese on top of each chicken piece, covering them completely. This creates a melty, luscious layer that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Crunch It Up with Croutons
Place your Caesar-style croutons into a large Ziplock bag and crush them into small crumbs. This step can be a fun one, especially if you get a little vigorous with the bag. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the cheese layer, giving the dish its golden, crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish onto the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F) and the crouton topping is golden brown. If you notice the topping browning too fast, loosely tent the dish with foil for the remaining baking time to prevent burning while the chicken finishes cooking.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely burst of color and flavor that elevates presentation and taste. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving can also brighten up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic mashed potatoes or a warm crusty bread also work perfectly for soaking up any extra dressing or juices, turning your meal into a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this chicken sliced over a bed of pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic for a heartier option. Alternatively, plate the chicken alongside a colorful quinoa salad to introduce a refreshing contrast. For a unique twist, serve stuffed inside a warm pita pocket with fresh Romaine and extra Caesar dressing for a portable lunch or dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe has cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken breasts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This meal freezes well for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the topping may lose some of its crispness after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious!
Reheating
To reheat, bake your chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover with foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave but expect the topping to be less crunchy. A quick broil for a minute or two can help re-crisp the crouton topping.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even mild Cheddar can work well. Each will bring its own character, but provolone is perfect for its meltiness and mild flavor that complements Caesar dressing.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay tender. If your breasts are already thin or uniform, you may skip this step, but it’s highly recommended for best results.
Can I use homemade Caesar dressing?
Of course! Homemade dressing adds a personal touch and can make the dish even more flavorful. Just be sure it’s creamy enough to spread easily over the chicken.
What if I’m gluten-free? Can I still make this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the Caesar-style croutons with a gluten-free variety, or use crushed gluten-free crackers for that satisfying crunch. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add more heat?
This version is mild, perfect for all palates. If you love a bit of spice, consider sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking or mixing a dash of hot sauce into the Caesar dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that make you wonder why weeknight dinners can’t always taste this good. With minimal prep and ingredients that often live in your fridge, you can create a meal that looks and tastes like a special occasion without the fuss. I truly hope you give it a try and find it becomes a go-to recipe you share over and over with loved ones.
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
Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe features tender, boneless chicken breasts topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a crunchy Caesar-style crouton topping. Baked to golden perfection, this dish combines classic Caesar salad flavors in a hearty and satisfying baked entree that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
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 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange and Season Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Season each piece evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over all the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Then, top each breast with slices of provolone cheese, covering them completely for a melty, cheesy layer.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Place the Caesar-style croutons into a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle the crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese layer on the chicken.
- Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through: Bake the dish on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F, and the topping should be golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly before the chicken is done, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time to prevent burning.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
- Using provolone cheese adds a mild, creamy melt that pairs well with Caesar flavors.
- Crushing croutons by hand allows you to control the size of the topping crumbs.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Loosely tenting with foil helps prevent the crouton topping from burning while baking.
