If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that simply sings with flavor yet comes together with minimal fuss, this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts nestled beneath a luscious layer of creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a perfectly crunchy crouton topping that adds a satisfying texture contrast. It’s like a fresh Caesar salad took a cozy warm bath in your oven and emerged as the ultimate comfort food, bringing classic savory flavors to your table in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for the family or impressing friends, this dish combines simplicity and deliciousness effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe comes down to a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that are absolutely irresistible. With a good quality creamy Caesar dressing as the base and provolone cheese to melt over the chicken, every bite is creamy, tangy, and cheesy. The croutons top it off with a crunchy golden crust, while salt and pepper perfectly season the chicken itself.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness, this ensures even cooking throughout.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick that balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: The star ingredient that provides rich, tangy flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken for a mild, creamy finish.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed to create a golden, crispy topping that seals in the juiciness.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough to bake the chicken evenly and melt the cheese perfectly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Setting this foundation is crucial for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Arrange and Season the Chicken
Place the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer inside your prepared dish. This helps them cook uniformly. Sprinkle the salt and black pepper evenly over each breast—this subtle seasoning is what lets the Caesar Dressing shine without being overshadowed.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Caesar Dressing and Cheese
Now for the glorious part—generously spreading ½ cup of creamy Caesar dressing over all the chicken breasts creates that luscious layer of flavor. Top each piece with two slices of provolone cheese, ensuring every bite will have that wonderful gooey cheese pull.
Step 4: Crushed Crouton Crunch
Place the Caesar-style croutons into a large ziplock bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan until they resemble coarse crumbs. Sprinkle these evenly over the cheese-covered chicken—it will bake into a golden, crispy crown that enhances every bite with texture and a hint of garlic and herbs.
Step 5: Bake and Monitor
Pop the dish into your preheated oven on the center rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look out for the crouton topping to turn a golden brown—if this happens too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil to prevent burning while the chicken finishes cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring it’s safe and juicy.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add a pop of color, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the rich flavors and brings an inviting zesty contrast that complements the creamy Caesar dressing perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance texture and freshness. Think crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even creamy mashed potatoes. A side of garlicky garlic bread also makes a wonderful companion, perfect for soaking up any extra dressing or cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of cooked pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic, transforming it into a hearty meal that’s as comforting as it is elegant. You can also slice the baked chicken and layer it in wraps with fresh romaine and extra Caesar dressing for a flavorful lunch option. The versatility here is endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to extend the lifespan of your masterpiece, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To preserve the texture as best as possible, consider freezing before adding the crouton topping, then add fresh crumbs when reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy topping and juicy interior better than the microwave, which can sometimes make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great alternatives that melt well and complement the Caesar flavor. Just stick to mild, creamy cheeses to keep that delicious balance.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and reheats nicely, making it a delicious, ready-to-go protein option for busy days.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can substitute the Caesar dressing for a dairy-free version and use a plant-based cheese alternative. Just be sure to choose croutons without dairy ingredients, and you’ll have a tasty dairy-free version.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly without drying out. Also, the creamy dressing acts like a barrier that keeps moisture locked inside during baking.
Can this recipe be made with chicken thighs?
Definitely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs add more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust the baking time slightly and use a thermometer to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of those classic go-tos that never disappoint. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal yet impressive enough for guests, delivering that perfect combo of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy all baked into one satisfying dish. Give it a try next time you want a nourishing, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate!
Print
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe is a delightful and simple way to enjoy juicy, tender chicken breasts topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crunchy Caesar-style croutons baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines classic Caesar salad flavors with hearty baked chicken for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Apply Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, place slices of provolone cheese over the dressing, covering each chicken piece completely for a rich and creamy topping.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Place the Caesar-style croutons into a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or by pressing firmly. Evenly sprinkle these crushed croutons over the cheese-covered chicken to add a crunchy texture.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C), and the crumb topping is golden brown. If the crumb topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before seasoning and baking.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, add the crushed croutons halfway through baking instead of before starting.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked at 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat Caesar dressing and low-fat cheese.
