Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe combines tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a crunchy Caesar-style crouton topping. Baked to perfection in just over half an hour, this dish offers a deliciously simple, family-friendly meal that’s full of flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange and Season Chicken: Place the flattened chicken breasts evenly in a single layer in the baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Add Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast, then top each piece generously with slices of provolone cheese, covering the surface completely.
- Crush Croutons: Place the Caesar-style croutons into a large Ziplock bag and crush them into crumbs using your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the cheese layer to add a crunchy topping.
- Bake and Monitor: Bake the chicken on the center oven rack for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the topping turns golden brown. To prevent over-browning, tent the dish loosely with foil if needed. Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- For even cooking, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute provolone with mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese.
- Use fresh Caesar dressing for best flavor; store-bought varieties work fine as well.
- Keep an eye on the crouton topping during baking to avoid burning; foil tenting helps control browning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
