This super easy Baked Caesar Chicken is one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals! With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious dinner in the oven in under 10 minutes!
WHY THIS CHICKEN DISH IS A WEEKNIGHT GAME-CHANGER
Let me tell you why I’m so obsessed with this Baked Caesar Chicken recipe! As a busy mom with a million things on my plate every day, I’m constantly searching for dinner ideas that are:
- Quick and easy to prepare (this takes just minutes to put together!)
- Made with simple ingredients I usually have on hand
- Something my whole family actually enjoys eating
- Easy to clean up afterward (hello, one-pan meals!)
This Caesar Chicken ticks ALL those boxes and then some! The combination of creamy Caesar dressing, melty cheese, and that amazing crunchy topping creates a dish that’s comfort food at its finest.
I love that I can pop this in the oven and then have time to help with homework, throw in a load of laundry, or just take a much-needed breather before dinner. By the time the table is set and a simple side dish is ready, the chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to serve!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients you need to make something so delicious:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I recommend using thin-cut chicken breasts for faster, more even cooking. If you only have regular thickness, just slice them horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Creamy Caesar dressing – This is the star of the show! Make sure to use a thick, creamy version (not the vinaigrette style). I like to use store-bought for convenience on busy nights, but homemade works great too if you have it.
- Provolone cheese – The mild, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with the Caesar dressing. I recommend using sliced cheese rather than shredded for this recipe.
- Caesar croutons – These add amazing flavor and that irresistible crunchy topping. Regular croutons will work too, but the Caesar-flavored ones really enhance the theme of the dish.
- Butter – Just a little bit to help the crumb topping get golden and crispy.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that let the Caesar flavor shine.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED CAESAR CHICKEN
This recipe is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after making it just once:
- Prep the chicken: Place your chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the dressing: Spread a generous layer of creamy Caesar dressing over each piece of chicken. Don’t be shy here – the dressing adds moisture and flavor!
- Layer the cheese: Cover each chicken breast with slices of provolone cheese. Make sure it’s completely covered for maximum melty goodness.
- Make the crunchy topping: Crush your Caesar croutons (I put them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin), then mix with a little melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake to perfection: Pop the dish in a 375°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve and enjoy: Let it cool for just a few minutes, then serve it up and watch it disappear!
PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST RESULTS
After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better:
Use thin chicken breasts. Thinner pieces cook more quickly and evenly. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create two thinner pieces. This also gives you more surface area for that delicious topping!
Don’t skimp on the dressing. The Caesar dressing not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist as it bakes. Make sure each piece has a nice thick layer.
Use sliced cheese, not shredded. Sliced cheese creates a nice barrier between the dressing and the crumb topping, which helps keep the crumbs crispy. When you use shredded cheese, the crumbs can sink in and get soggy.
Check for doneness carefully. Chicken breasts can quickly go from perfectly cooked to dry and overcooked. Use a meat thermometer if you have one (165°F is perfect), or make a small cut in the thickest part to check.
Let it rest briefly. Giving the dish 5 minutes to rest after coming out of the oven allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CAESAR CHICKEN
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many different sides. Here are some of my family’s favorites:
For a lighter meal:
- A simple green salad with balsamic dressing
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Sautéed green beans with garlic
For a heartier dinner:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed rice pilaf
For bread lovers:
- Garlic bread
- Dinner rolls
- Toasted baguette slices
One of my favorite complete meals is this Caesar Chicken with roasted vegetables and a slice of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce on the plate. It’s simple but so satisfying!
STORING AND USING LEFTOVERS
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (we rarely do!), here’s how to store them:
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: While you can freeze this dish, the crumb topping won’t stay crispy when thawed and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving the topping off and adding fresh crumbs when you reheat it.
Leftover Caesar Chicken is actually super versatile! You can:
- Chop it up and add it to a wrap with lettuce and tomatoes
- Slice it and serve it over a Caesar salad for a meal that comes full circle
- Dice it and mix it with pasta and a bit more Caesar dressing for a quick pasta dinner
Baked Caesar Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (thin-cut recommended)
- 6 tablespoons creamy Caesar dressing
- 6 ounces provolone cheese sliced
- 1 cup Caesar-style croutons
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing over each chicken breast, creating a thick layer.
- Place slices of provolone cheese over each chicken breast to cover completely.
- Put the croutons in a zip-top bag and crush them into crumbs using a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttered crouton crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake on the middle rack for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the crumb topping is golden brown. If the topping starts to get too dark, loosely cover with foil for the remaining cook time.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If using regular (thicker) chicken breasts, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner pieces that will cook more evenly and quickly.
- Make sure to use creamy Caesar dressing, not the vinaigrette style.
- For a variation, try using different flavored croutons or a different type of cheese like mozzarella or Swiss.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time up to the baking step, then covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
