This High-Protein Caesar Chicken Bake is an easy, family-friendly dinner made with tender chicken breasts, creamy Caesar dressing, melted provolone cheese, and crispy homemade protein croutons. It has all the cozy, savory flavor of a creamy chicken casserole with a lighter, higher-protein twist!
This is a recipe by Sara Judkins, one of our new contributors!
Why You’ll Love This Caesar Chicken Bake
This recipe is simple, satisfying, and easy to make with ingredients you may already have on hand. The chicken stays juicy, the cheese melts into the Caesar dressing, and the crispy bread topping adds the perfect crunch.
You’ll love this recipe because it is:
- Easy enough for busy weeknights
- Made with simple ingredients
- High in protein
- Kid-friendly and flavorful
- Great for leftovers
- Delicious with salad, rice, or roasted vegetables
The homemade crouton topping is made from protein bread or sourdough toasted in a little butter until golden and crisp. Layered over Caesar-coated chicken and melty provolone, it bakes into a bubbly, golden dinner that is delicious served with a big chopped salad or spooned over rice for an easy weeknight meal.
Tips for the Best Caesar Chicken Bake
Use Thin Chicken Breasts
Thin-sliced chicken breasts cook evenly and stay tender. If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness before baking.
Watch the Croutons Closely
The homemade croutons brown quickly in butter, so stir constantly and remove them from the heat as soon as they are crisp and golden.
Use Protein Bread for Extra Protein
Protein bread is a great way to add a little extra nutrition to the crunchy topping. Sourdough also works well if that is what you have on hand.
Don’t Overbake the Chicken
Check the chicken around 25 minutes. Overbaking can dry it out, especially if the pieces are thin.
Let It Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking so the sauce settles and the cheese stays creamy.
Easy Variations
Make It Extra Light
Use light Caesar dressing and part-skim provolone cheese.
Add More Crunch
Mix a little grated Parmesan into the toasted bread topping before baking.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes, blackened seasoning, or a little hot sauce to the Caesar dressing.
Use Mozzarella Instead
Swap provolone for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Serve It Bowl-Style
Spoon the Caesar chicken over rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes and add chopped romaine on the side.
More Delicious High-Protein Recipes:
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High-Protein Caesar Chicken Bake
Ingredients
For Serving
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Sliced purple cabbage
- Chopped broccoli
- Sliced celery
- Sliced boiled eggs
- Caesar dressing, Ranch dressing, or your favorite creamy dressing
- Cooked rice
Instructions
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Cut the crusts off the bread, then tear the bread into small bite-sized pieces.In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the bread pieces and stir constantly until they are crispy and golden brown (Do not walk away from the pan; the bread can brown quickly). Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray.Place the thin-sliced chicken breasts in an even layer in the prepared dish. If using thicker chicken breasts, butterfly them or pound them thin so they cook evenly.Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
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Pour Caesar dressing over the chicken. Use a brush or spoon to spread it evenly over each piece.
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Place provolone slices over the chicken, covering the surface evenly.Sprinkle the homemade croutons over the cheese.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the edges are bubbly, and the crouton topping is golden brown.Start checking around 25 minutes to make sure the topping does not get too dark.The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Serve warm with a chopped romaine salad, purple cabbage, broccoli, celery, boiled eggs, and your favorite dressing.This chicken is also delicious served over rice because it bakes up creamy and saucy!
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