Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic Caesar flavors, featuring tender boneless chicken breasts topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crunchy Caesar-style crouton crumbs. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with easy preparation and baking for a delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Baking 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 chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish. Evenly season each breast with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Top with Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over all the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is well coated. Then, layer the provolone cheese slices on top of each breast, completely covering the dressing.
- Prepare and Add Crouton Topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into crumbs using a large Ziplock bag or by hand. Sprinkle these crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese layer to add a crunchy topping.
- Bake Until Cooked: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Bake until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the crouton topping is golden brown. If the topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking to prevent burning.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F internally for food safety.
- If you prefer, substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or another mild cheese.
- The crispy crouton topping can be customized by adding grated Parmesan or herbs for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
