Description
This Easy Baked Caesar Chicken is a delicious and simple meal featuring tender chicken breasts topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crunchy Caesar-style croutons. Perfect for a quick family dinner, it combines classic Caesar salad flavors with baked chicken for a comforting and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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 Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and 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 and evenly season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese: Spread the creamy Caesar dressing evenly over each piece of chicken. Then, layer the provolone cheese slices on top, making sure to cover each chicken breast completely for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Crush the Caesar-style croutons into fine crumbs using a large Ziplock bag, and sprinkle the crumbs evenly over the cheese to add a crunchy texture after baking.
- Bake Until Cooked Through: Bake the dish on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the topping is golden brown. If the crouton topping browns too fast, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Make sure to cover the chicken completely with cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid overcooking.
- If you prefer a lower fat option, substitute provolone cheese with a lighter cheese or reduce the amount of cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
