If you’re looking for a dish that combines classic flavors with effortless preparation, this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts slathered in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with melty provolone cheese and a crunchy, golden breadcrumb crust made from Caesar-style croutons. It’s comfort food meets elegance in one simple, bake-and-forget meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. This recipe’s magic lies in its straightforward ingredients and the bold flavor punch that Caesar dressing brings to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe comes from a small list of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that everyone loves. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden finish.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness): This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout baking.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering it.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle spice for depth.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: The star of the show, delivering that classic tangy, garlicky flavor that makes Caesar salads famous.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts beautifully to create a gooey, savory layer that pairs perfectly with the dressing.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed into crunchy crumbs, these add a satisfying crisp texture and extra burst of Caesar flavor to the topping.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for gently baking the chicken without drying it out, while allowing the cheese and crumbs to crisp up nicely on top. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange your pounded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. Season each piece evenly with salt and black pepper to create a flavorful base that enhances the subsequent layers of dressing and cheese.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Caesar Dressing
Spread the creamy Caesar dressing generously over each chicken breast. This step is like giving your chicken a flavor blanket—it seals in moisture and infuses that unmistakable Caesar taste throughout every bite.
Step 4: Layer with Provolone Cheese
Lay the provolone slices over the coated chicken breasts, making sure each piece is fully covered. As the cheese bakes, it will melt into a smooth, savory layer that perfectly complements the tangy dressing.
Step 5: Top with Crushed Caesar Croutons
Place your Caesar-style croutons in a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly on top of the melted cheese. This crunchy topping adds wonderful texture and a golden-brown finish that will make this dish irresistible.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the chicken in the center rack of your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the crumb topping; if it begins to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring juicy and safe-to-eat results.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe, add fresh garnishes like chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. These little touches brighten up the dish visually and add bursts of fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or lemony garlic pasta. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside steamed asparagus or a light quinoa salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of mixed greens for a deconstructed Caesar chicken salad experience, or plate it with colorful roasted bell peppers and a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Don’t underestimate the power of a lovely serving platter to make this dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for delicious next-day meals or quick lunches.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, peel off the crouton topping to keep it from getting soggy. Store the chicken and cheese separately in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you saved your crouton topping, you can sprinkle it on right before serving to regain some of that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar work well as substitutes. Choose cheeses that melt smoothly to maintain the delicious gooey texture.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay juicy. If your chicken breasts are already thin and even, you can skip this step.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the Caesar-style croutons for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to keep the crunchy topping gluten-free.
What can I use if I don’t have Caesar dressing on hand?
If you don’t have Caesar dressing, a mix of mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce can mimic the flavor. Although it won’t be exactly the same, it will still taste delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is done baking?
The safest and most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its comforting textures and bold Caesar flavors. Give it a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite classic!
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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 crunchy Caesar-style crouton crumbs. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a quick and delicious meal ideal for weeknights or casual dinners, delivering classic Caesar salad flavors in a comforting baked chicken dish.
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 and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange and Season Chicken: Place the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Apply Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage. Then, layer 8 slices of provolone cheese over the chicken, covering each piece completely for a creamy, melty topping.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Place the Caesar-style croutons in a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or your hands. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the provolone cheese layers to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish on the oven’s center rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the topping is golden brown. If the crumb topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil to prevent burning while the chicken finishes cooking.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps ensure they cook uniformly.
- You can substitute provolone with mozzarella or Monterey Jack if desired.
- Use Caesar-style croutons for best flavor, but plain or garlic croutons also work well.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is safely cooked.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
