If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels both comforting and a little fancy, this Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese topping, and a golden, buttery crouton crust that delivers addictive crunch with every bite. It’s simple to make, packed with bold flavors, and brings that beloved Caesar salad vibe to your plate in a whole new way. Whether you want a quick family dinner or something a little special for guests, this recipe hits all the right notes and is sure to become a repeat favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to create something truly delicious here. Each component plays a key role—seasoning the chicken just right, layering on rich creaminess, and finishing with a crunchy top that turns the entire dish into a flavorful masterpiece. Here’s what to gather:
- 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless, thin): Thinner breasts cook evenly and soak up the flavors beautifully.
- 6 tbsp creamy Caesar dressing: This is the star that brings the classic Caesar taste to life in a rich, tangy coating.
- 6 oz provolone cheese (sliced): Mild and melty, provolone adds a luscious, gooey layer right under the crunchy topping.
- 1 cup Caesar style croutons: Crushing these croutons creates that satisfying, buttery crust with classic garlic and herb notes.
- 1 tbsp butter: Melted butter helps crisp the croutons and adds a lovely golden color.
- 1/4 tsp salt: A pinch to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 tsp pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle bite that complements the creamy dressing.
How to Make Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by gently placing the chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish. This helps ensure even cooking and a uniform baking surface. Season both sides with the salt and pepper to build a foundational flavor base that will elevate the rest of the ingredients as they meld together.
Step 2: Add Creamy Caesar Dressing
Spread about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the creamy Caesar dressing over each breast. Don’t be shy here—this layer creates the tangy, savory backbone of the dish, infusing every bite with that iconic Caesar salad zing paired perfectly with the chicken.
Step 3: Layer Sliced Provolone Cheese
Next, cover each chicken breast evenly with slices of provolone cheese. As the chicken bakes, the cheese will melt into a smooth blanket, adding a mild, creamy richness that perfectly balances the tangy dressing underneath.
Step 4: Prepare the Crouton Topping
Take your Caesar-style croutons and crush them into fine crumbs—this creates the incredible crunchy texture you’re aiming for. Then, melt the butter and toss the crouton crumbs in it until they’re completely coated. This buttery mix becomes the golden, crispy finish on top, locking in flavors and adding a wonderful contrast in texture.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Spread the buttery crouton crumbs over the cheese-covered chicken breasts evenly to ensure each piece gets a crunchy topping. Place the dish on the middle rack of your oven preheated to 375˚ Fahrenheit, and bake for about 20 to 30 minutes. Keep a close eye near the end—once the chicken is cooked through and the croutons turn a gorgeous golden brown, it’s done. If the topping starts to brown too much before the chicken cooks fully, a loose foil tent will prevent burning while baking finishes.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe immediately so the crunch stays crispy and the cheese perfectly melty—every bite is as good as the first!
How to Serve Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A little fresh parsley, chopped finely, will brighten the rich dish wonderfully. A wedge of lemon on the side is also great for those who love an extra burst of citrus that complements the dressing’s tangy notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic buttered green beans. If you want something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery risotto create an indulgent balance to the crunchy crust.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish presentation, plate the chicken over a bed of baby spinach or arugula dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon. You can also chop and serve it over Caesar salad greens for a refreshing take on the classic flavors in one dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the crunch, keep the crouton topping separate if possible and reapply before reheating.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze cooked chicken portions for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn. Remember the crouton topping may lose some crispness after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 350ËšF until warmed through, about 15 minutes, which helps maintain the melted cheese and makes the crouton crumbs crispier again. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great alternatives if you prefer a milder, gooier cheese, while Parmesan adds a sharper flavor for Caesar enthusiasts.
What if I don’t have Caesar-style croutons?
You can substitute regular garlic or herb croutons, or even make your own by toasting bread cubes with olive oil and garlic powder for a personalized crunch topping.
Is it necessary to use thin chicken breasts?
Thin breasts cook more evenly and quickly, which prevents drying out. If only thick breasts are available, consider pounding them to an even thinness or adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the provolone for a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free creamy Caesar dressing to keep it allergy-friendly while still delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The classic Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is mild with creaminess and savory crunch dominating the flavor profile. You can add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning if you want a gentle kick.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe is one of those rare meals that feels both indulgent and surprisingly simple. It’s a dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again, especially when you want dinner to come together quickly without sacrificing flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Baked Caesar Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy Baked Caesar Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts topped with creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a buttery crouton crust baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 lbs chicken breast (boneless, skinless, thin)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Toppings
- 6 tbsp creamy Caesar dressing
- 6 oz provolone cheese (sliced)
- 1 cup Caesar style croutons
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the thin, boneless, skinless chicken breasts flat in a large baking dish. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Apply Dressing: Spread a thick layer (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) of creamy Caesar dressing over each chicken breast, ensuring they are fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Cheese: Arrange the sliced provolone cheese over the dressed chicken breasts, covering them completely to create a melty, savory topping.
- Prepare Crouton Topping: Crush the Caesar style croutons into fine crumbs. Melt the butter in a small bowl, then mix in the crushed croutons to coat them evenly with butter.
- Assemble and Bake: Spread the butter-coated crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese-covered chicken. Place the baking dish on the middle rack of a preheated oven at 375˚F. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the crouton topping is golden brown. If the crumbs brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve the Baked Caesar Chicken immediately while hot. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are uniformly thin to allow even cooking.
- You can substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if preferred.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a fresh herbal note.
- If you do not have Caesar style croutons, regular garlic or herb croutons can be crushed and used as a substitute.
- Checking the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
