Description
Easy Baked Caesar Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crispy Caesar-style crouton crumbs. This baked recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines classic Caesar salad flavors with comforting baked chicken.
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 and Prepare Dish: 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: Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Evenly season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Apply Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over all the chicken breasts to coat them well. Then, layer the sliced provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast, covering completely for a rich, melty topping.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into fine crumbs inside a large Ziplock bag. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the cheese layer, adding a crunchy texture to the dish.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish on the center oven rack and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown. If the crumbs brown too fast, tent the dish loosely with foil for the remainder of baking. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- To pound chicken breasts evenly, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
- Feel free to substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or another mild melting cheese if desired.
- For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
