Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with melted provolone cheese and crunchy Caesar-style crouton crumbs. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines classic Caesar flavors with a crispy baked crust for a delightful meal.
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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the baking dish. Season each breast evenly with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Spread ½ cup of creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast. Then, cover each piece completely with slices of provolone cheese for a rich, gooey topping.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Crush 1 cup of Caesar-style croutons into fine crumbs inside a large Ziplock bag. Sprinkle the crouton crumbs evenly over the melted cheese layer on each chicken breast to add a crispy, savory crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden brown. If the crouton topping browns too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.
Notes
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- If you want extra crispy topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad or steamed vegetables to keep the meal balanced.
