Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy Caesar dressing, gooey provolone cheese, and a crunchy Caesar-style crouton topping. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
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 the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Arrange the pounded chicken breasts in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish, then season evenly with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread creamy Caesar dressing evenly over the surface of each chicken breast. Next, place slices of provolone cheese on top, ensuring each piece of chicken is fully covered.
- Prepare and Add Crouton Topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into crumbs using a large Ziplock bag or similar. Evenly sprinkle the crouton crumbs over the layered chicken and cheese, creating a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake on the center rack in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the crouton topping is golden brown. If the crumbs brown too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Confirm doneness by checking the internal temperature of the chicken—it should read 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Use Caesar-style croutons for authentic flavor and crunchy texture.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the dish for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in an oven or microwave.
- To reduce fat, opt for low-fat Caesar dressing and cheese varieties.
