If you’re craving a meal that brings the irresistible flavors of a Caesar salad right onto a warm, comforting plate of chicken, you’re going to love this Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together without any fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to wow your family with a perfectly seasoned, creamy, and crunchy dinner all in one. The combination of tender baked chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, melty provolone, and crispy crouton topping is downright addictive and will likely become a fast favorite in your household.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To keep this recipe wonderfully simple yet full of flavor, we stick with a few key ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the chicken’s juicy base to the crisp croutons providing texture, these essentials make the dish both satisfying and delicious.
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking and tenderness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the creamy dressing.
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing: The star ingredient that infuses the chicken with classic Caesar flavor and moisture.
- 8 slices provolone cheese: Melts smoothly on top to add a mild, slightly tangy richness.
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons: Crushed to form a golden, crunchy topping that’s simply irresistible.
How to Make Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F, ensuring the perfect temperature for baking the chicken evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help with easy cleanup afterward.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer inside your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle each piece evenly with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step is key to bringing out the best flavor in your chicken before adding the Caesar elements.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Caesar Dressing and Cheese
Spread the creamy Caesar dressing generously and evenly over each chicken breast. Then, layer the provolone slices on top, completely covering each breast. This creates a luscious, melty blanket of cheese that locks in the dressing’s tangy goodness while baking.
Step 4: Create the Crust with Croutons
Place the Caesar-style croutons into a large Ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle these crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese-topped chicken. This step adds that signature crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F, and the crouton topping will turn a beautiful golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.
How to Serve Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding some fresh toppings can elevate the dish beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few shavings of Parmesan for a pop of green color and an extra burst of cheesy flavor. A few freshly cracked black peppercorns on top also add a nice touch of spice and presentation appeal.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans to balance out the creamy flavors. For something heartier, roasted baby potatoes or a fresh garden salad complement the dish perfectly, creating a harmonious and complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests or simply enjoy a fun twist, try layering this chicken over a bed of zesty Caesar pasta salad or serve alongside warm garlic bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. You can also serve individual portions on small plates topped with additional croutons and a lemon wedge for a bright contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Baked Caesar Chicken 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 dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish for longer, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place in freezer-safe containers. The chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the crunch of the crouton topping better than microwaving. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and check often to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and can add a bit more juiciness, just make sure to adjust baking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to cook through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cheese and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing to make this dish suitable for those avoiding dairy. The flavors remain deliciously close to the original.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The surest way is to use a meat thermometer – when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, your chicken is safe and perfectly cooked. The meat should be white and juicy with no pinkness inside.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and bake later?
You can assemble the chicken, dressing, cheese, and crouton topping a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh the next day for the best texture and flavor.
What is the best type of crouton to use?
Caesar-style croutons are ideal because they’re already seasoned with garlic and herbs, which enhances the overall flavor. If unavailable, plain garlic or herb croutons crushed finely will work great too.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe combines simplicity, comfort, and incredible flavor in a way that’s inviting for every level of cook. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for feeding family or impressing friends with minimal effort but maximum taste. So grab those few simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that feels special every time!
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 combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a crunchy Caesar-style crouton topping. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in just over half an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- ½ cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking and to facilitate easy cleanup.
- Arrange and Season Chicken: Place the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. Season each piece evenly with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Apply Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Evenly spread ½ cup of creamy Caesar dressing over all the chicken breasts. Then, top each breast completely with slices of provolone cheese to add richness and melt beautifully during baking.
- Prepare and Add Crouton Topping: Crush 1 cup of Caesar-style croutons into crumbs using a large Ziplock bag. Sprinkle the crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese layer to create a crunchy, golden topping.
- Bake Until Done: Place the dish on the center oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the topping turns golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time. Confirm the chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use Caesar-style croutons to complement the dressing’s flavor profile; plain croutons can be substituted if unavailable.
- If you want a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
