Baked Crispy Caesar Chicken
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I love it when a recipe is simple enough for a busy weeknight but still delivers the kind of results that make you feel like you’ve pulled off something special. That’s exactly what you get with this Baked Crispy Caesar Chicken. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful, golden, and satisfying chicken dish that’s not only family-friendly but also impressive enough to serve when company comes over. It’s one of those recipes that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to create something truly delicious.
The key to making this easy chicken recipe quick and successful is starting with thin chicken breasts. Using thinner cuts ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, giving you that perfect juicy inside with a crisp, flavorful topping. I often grab the thin-sliced frozen chicken breasts from Costco to keep on hand, but if you only have thicker chicken breasts, no problem—just slice them in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. This little step makes all the difference in getting dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Once the chicken is prepped, the magic happens with the toppings. Each piece is coated with creamy Caesar dressing, layered with provolone cheese, and finished with a crunchy topping of crushed croutons tossed in a touch of melted butter. The result is a crispy, cheesy crust that locks in flavor and adds irresistible texture. It’s similar to my Creamy Caesar Chicken recipe, but this version is less saucy and more about that crunchy, golden topping. The croutons not only bring extra flavor but also give the dish that “wow” factor when you pull it out of the oven.
Ingredients for Crispy Baked Caesar Chicken
- THIN BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS
- CREAMY CAESAR DRESSING
- SALT AND PEPPER
- PROVOLONE CHEESE
- CAESAR CROUTONS
- BUTTER
Instructions for Baked Crispy Caesar Chicken
Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch (or 7×11-inch) baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Prepare the chicken – Place chicken breasts flat in the prepared baking dish, making sure they’re arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
Add the dressing – Spread a generous spoonful of creamy Caesar dressing over each chicken breast, coating the tops evenly. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Layer with cheese – Place slices of provolone cheese over the chicken to cover. If needed, break slices in half so that each piece of chicken is fully topped.
Make the crunchy topping – In a small bowl, combine the crushed croutons with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly coated. This step ensures the topping bakes up golden and crisp.
Top the chicken – Sprinkle the buttery crouton mixture evenly over the cheese-covered chicken breasts, pressing down gently so it adheres.
Bake – Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the topping is golden brown. Tip: If the crouton topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Serve – Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or even pasta for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
Yes! Mozzarella, Swiss, or even Parmesan cheese work well. Provolone melts beautifully, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
What if I don’t have croutons?
You can substitute with panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers. Just mix them with the melted butter for that same golden, crunchy topping.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check doneness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the chicken with the dressing, cheese, and topping up to 4 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the topping crispy.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Slow Cooker Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
- Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
- Baked Swiss Chicken
- Million Dollar Baked Chicken
Baked Crispy Caesar Chicken
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless, thin (3-4 Chicken Breasts)
- 6 Tbsp creamy caesar dressing
- salt and pepper
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup Caesar style croutons roughly crushed
- 1 Tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- Place the chicken breast flat in a 9×13-inch or 7×11-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Spread some of the creamy caesar dressing over each chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the sliced provolone over the chicken to cover. Break some slices in half if needed.
- In a small bowl, mix the croutons crumbs with the melted butter to coat.
- Spread the crouton crumbs over the cheese layer.
- Bake on the middle rack at 375˚F for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reachs internal temperature of 165 degrees) and the crumbs are golden brown. If the top of the crumbs become too browned, loosely cover with foil for the remainder.
