Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe combines juicy, tender chicken breasts topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crunchy Caesar-style croutons. Baked to perfection, this dish is a flavorful and simple meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange and Season Chicken: Place 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.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each chicken breast. Then, top each piece completely with slices of provolone cheese, which will melt during baking and add a rich, savory layer.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into crumbs by placing them in a large Ziplock bag and gently crushing with your hands or a rolling pin. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the dish on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the topping is golden brown. If the crouton topping starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. Confirm the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before seasoning.
- For a crispier topping, use freshly crushed croutons right before baking.
- If you prefer a stronger cheese flavor, substitute provolone with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness, ensuring juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
