Easy Baked Caesar Chicken

This Baked Caesar Chicken transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible dinner that tastes far more complex than its preparation suggests. Tender chicken breasts bake under a blanket of creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and a crispy crouton topping for the perfect balance of juicy meat and crunchy texture. With minimal prep time and just one pan to clean, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

I first made this when I needed something quick that would still impress dinner guests. What surprised me most was how the humble Caesar dressing transformed during baking, infusing the chicken with rich flavor while keeping it incredibly moist. Now it's my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something that feels special without the effort.

Essential Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – The foundation of the dish; using thinner cuts ensures even cooking and perfect texture
• Creamy Caesar dressing – Serves double duty as both marinade and sauce, keeping the chicken juicy while adding incredible flavor
• Provolone cheese – Creates the perfect melt over the chicken with a mild, buttery flavor that complements the tangy dressing
• Caesar croutons – When crushed, they create a flavorful, garlicky crust that adds essential texture contrast
• Butter – Helps the crouton topping brown beautifully and adds richness to every bite

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the chicken –

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets for more even cooking. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. This initial seasoning creates a flavor foundation that enhances the Caesar dressing. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer in a baking dish, ensuring no pieces overlap. Using the right size dish is important—the chicken should fit comfortably with a bit of space between pieces.

Add the Caesar dressing –

Spoon creamy Caesar dressing generously over each piece of chicken, ensuring the top of each breast is completely covered. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of dressing per piece, adjusting based on the size of your chicken. The dressing serves two purposes: it adds flavor while also keeping the chicken moist during baking. The thicker, creamier the dressing, the better it will adhere to the chicken and create a luscious sauce as it bakes.

Layer with cheese –

Place slices of provolone cheese over the dressed chicken, slightly overlapping if necessary to ensure complete coverage. Using sliced cheese rather than shredded is crucial for this recipe as it creates a protective layer that holds in moisture and provides a perfect base for the crumb topping. The cheese will melt into a beautiful blanket over the chicken, helping to seal in the juices while adding richness.

Create the crumb topping –

Place Caesar-style croutons in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they reach your desired consistency. Some larger pieces mixed with finer crumbs create the best texture. In a small bowl, mix the crushed croutons with 2 tablespoons of melted butter until all crumbs are lightly coated. The butter is essential for helping the crumbs brown and crisp up during baking. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese-topped chicken, creating a generous layer of crumbs.

Bake to perfection –

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crumb topping is golden brown and crispy. If the top begins to brown too quickly before the chicken is fully cooked, tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time. This prevents the crumbs from burning while allowing the chicken to finish cooking.

Rest before serving –

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring each bite is as moist and flavorful as possible. Serve each piece of chicken with some of the creamy sauce that has formed in the bottom of the dish spooned over the top.

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Perfect Side Pairings

This Caesar chicken pairs beautifully with both simple and elaborate sides. For a light option, serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with a vinaigrette to contrast with the richness of the chicken. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts complement the dish wonderfully, especially when finished with a squeeze of lemon to cut through the creaminess.

For heartier meals, consider buttered noodles tossed with a bit of parsley, or a side of garlic mashed potatoes that can soak up the delicious sauce. A simple risotto or even plain steamed rice also works well, letting the flavorful chicken remain the star of the show.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a 325°F oven rather than a microwave to help maintain some crispness in the topping. Cover loosely with foil and heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.

My grandmother always said that the best recipes are the ones that seem like they took hours but actually took minutes. She believed in working smarter, not harder in the kitchen. When I make this Caesar chicken, I think of her wisdom—especially when guests request the recipe, assuming it required much more effort than it actually did.

I've been making this Baked Caesar Chicken for busy weeknight dinners for years, and what I appreciate most is how it elevates simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for company yet practical enough for everyday meals. There's something magical about how the humble Caesar dressing transforms during baking into a rich, flavorful sauce that infuses every bite with deliciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They may need a slightly longer cooking time, about 5-7 minutes more.

→ What sides go well with Caesar Chicken?

A green salad, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread all pair wonderfully with this chicken dish.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the dish up to 24 hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the crouton topping just before baking.

→ What if I don't have provolone cheese?

Mozzarella, Swiss, or even a mild cheddar would work well as substitutes for the provolone in this recipe.

→ Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free croutons and double-check that your Caesar dressing is gluten-free.