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
Scale
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.
