Caesar Chicken with Asparagus

This Caesar Chicken with Asparagus has become my answer to quick comfort on hectic weeknights. Chicken stays juicy under a rich blanket of Caesar dressing and Parmesan while asparagus turns crisp-tender in the same pan. The whole meal comes together in one skillet with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

My family asks for this whenever we have extra asparagus in the fridge and it is my go to for busy evenings when I want something both cozy and wholesome.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: these cook up moist and tender when seared first Choose evenly sized pieces for even cooking
• Salt and pepper: essential for flavor balance Use fresh cracked pepper if you have it
• Olive oil: helps develop a golden sear on the chicken Use a high quality oil for best results
• Caesar dressing: brings creamy tang and depth Make your own or choose a good store brand without artificial flavors
• Grated Parmesan cheese: for savoriness and that classic Caesar taste Freshly grated always melts best
• Asparagus spears: add color crunch and plenty of nutrients Look for firm bright green stalks with tightly closed tips
• Garlic powder: a quick way to boost flavor across the dish Choose a pure variety if possible
• Lemon wedges: brighten the finish with fresh tartness Use juicy ripe lemons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it reaches the proper heat while you prep The right temperature ensures the chicken cooks through evenly and the cheese gets golden

Season the Chicken:

Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each chicken breast Make sure each piece gets even coverage so every bite is seasoned

Sear the Chicken:

Pour olive oil into a large oven safe skillet and set it over medium high heat Once the oil shimmers place the chicken breasts flat in the skillet Let them cook for about three to four minutes per side until the surfaces turn deep golden brown This initial sear locks in juices and develops flavor

Add Caesar Dressing and Cheese:

Turn the burner off Pour Caesar dressing over each piece of chicken making sure every part is well coated Sprinkle generous amounts of grated Parmesan over the top to form a melty crust

Arrange Asparagus:

Arrange trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken in the skillet Dust the asparagus evenly with garlic powder and if you love extra cheese add another hint of Parmesan This helps the vegetables take on the dish’s flavor

Bake:

Move the skillet to your hot oven Bake for about twenty minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit and the asparagus is just fork tender This step allows all the flavors to meld

Serve:

Take the skillet out of the oven and let everything rest for a few minutes before serving Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish right before serving for a clean bright finish

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My favorite ingredient here is definitely the Caesar dressing sometimes I make a lighter version from scratch using Greek yogurt—it blends so well with the roasted asparagus My kids still talk about the time we made this for a birthday dinner and everyone scraped their plates clean

Storage Tips

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days Reheat gently in the oven or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to prevent the chicken from drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the asparagus for broccolini or green beans if that is what you have on hand For a lighter take try using turkey breasts or even boneless skinless thighs If you like a sharper cheese Pecorino Romano works nicely as a substitute for Parmesan

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs perfectly with simple buttered noodles a bed of rice or just a hunk of fresh bread to soak up the extra sauce A fresh green salad with a zingy vinaigrette makes a light side

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Cultural Context

This recipe is a playful twist on the classic Caesar salad which originated in Tijuana Mexico in the nineteen twenties Combining familiar Caesar flavors with baked chicken and vegetables brings American weeknight convenience to an iconic Italian American taste

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use homemade Caesar dressing?

Yes, homemade Caesar dressing works well and allows you to control ingredients and flavor for a fresher touch.

→ Is it necessary to sear the chicken beforehand?

Searing develops a golden crust and adds flavor, but you can skip this step for a softer texture if you prefer.

→ How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is ready when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

→ Can I substitute other vegetables for asparagus?

Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini pair well and can be used in place of asparagus to suit your preference.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.