Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe is a delicious and simple way to prepare chicken breasts with classic Caesar flavors. Tender chicken breasts are topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crunchy Caesar-style croutons, then baked to perfection for a satisfying main dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast to coat thoroughly. Then, top each piece completely with slices of provolone cheese for a rich, melty layer.
- Prepare Topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into fine crumbs by placing them in a large Ziplock bag and gently crushing them with your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle the crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese layer, adding a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Bake Chicken: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the toppings are golden brown. If the crouton topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil for the remaining baking time to prevent burning.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before baking.
- If you don’t have Caesar-style croutons, regular seasoned croutons can be used as a substitute.
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
