If you want a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless, this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It takes the classic flavors of a Caesar salad and transforms them into a warm, cheesy, comforting main course that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone, and crunchy crouton topping delivers fantastic texture and taste with minimal prep, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that work in perfect harmony to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from seasoning for balance to creamy and crunchy layers that elevate the ordinary chicken breast.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy throughout baking.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right kick of warmth and depth.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: Infuses the chicken with that classic tangy, garlicky Caesar flavor that makes this recipe special.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Creates a gooey, melty, and mild cheesy layer that complements the tang of the dressing beautifully.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed over the top for delightful crunch and a toasty finish.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This step ensures your chicken won’t stick and helps the topping crisp up nicely.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place your pounded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper for balanced flavor. Seasoning early helps the meat absorb those flavors while baking.
Step 3: Layer with Caesar Dressing and Cheese
Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast. This is the flavor-packed base that will keep the chicken moist and delicious. Next, top each piece completely with provolone slices, which will melt into a luscious, cheesy blanket.
Step 4: Add the Crouton Crunch
Place your Caesar-style croutons in a large Ziplock bag and crush them into small crumbs. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the melted cheese to create a crispy, golden-brown crust. This topping is the signature crunch that makes this recipe so memorable.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Put the dish on the center oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. If you notice the crumb topping getting too dark too soon, cover the dish loosely with foil to keep it from burning. The chicken is cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes enhances both presentation and flavor. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few cracked black peppercorns right out of the oven complements the creamy, cheesy chicken beautifully. A wedge of lemon on the side also adds a bright, zesty finish if you want to brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides that let the chicken shine. Think crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables tossed with a touch of olive oil and garlic. For a more comforting meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread work exceptionally well.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, serve the chicken straight from the baking dish so everyone can dig in family-style. Hosting guests? Plate each portion on a large white plate with a generous sprinkle of finely chopped herbs and a colorful vegetable medley on the side. You can also slice the baked chicken and serve it over a bed of fresh spinach or romaine for a warm salad twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry—they keep really well. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit, and you can enjoy it cold or warmed up without losing that signature crunch by reheating carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe for longer storage. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen chicken keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat while keeping the crisp topping intact, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. If you prefer microwave convenience, cover loosely with a paper towel to keep moisture in, but expect the crunch to soften a bit.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well. They are naturally more tender and flavorful, but you may want to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can be thicker.
What if I don’t have Caesar-style croutons?
No problem! You can use any crunchy croutons and sprinkle on a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to keep that Caesar-like flavor. Alternatively, crushed seasoned crackers or panko with garlic powder can work too.
Is this recipe dairy-free or low-calorie?
This recipe relies on creamy Caesar dressing and provolone cheese, so it’s not dairy-free. For a lighter version, try a Caesar dressing made with Greek yogurt and use a reduced-fat cheese alternative.
Can I make this recipe ahead and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the chicken is cold straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a large ziplock bag and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until uniform thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents dryness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that turns simple ingredients into something outstanding. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, comforting enough for a weekend, and always a hit with family and friends. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and discover a new favorite that you’ll make time and again!
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, skinless chicken breasts baked with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a crunchy crouton topping. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines classic Caesar salad flavors with comforting baked chicken, ready in just 35 minutes.
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 oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare chicken: Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Add Caesar dressing and cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast, then top each piece completely with slices of provolone cheese.
- Prepare crouton topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into fine crumbs inside a large Ziplock bag and sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the cheese-topped chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is golden brown. If the crouton topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of cooking time to prevent burning.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internally.
- Pounding chicken to an even thickness helps it cook evenly and prevents dryness.
- For extra crunch, consider adding a tablespoon of melted butter to the crouton crumbs before topping.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella or cheddar if preferred.
