This Caesar Chicken with Asparagus is a lovely, quick meal to prepare, and the rich, creamy flavors of the Caesar dressing and Parmesan are complemented by the fresh note of lemon and the crunchy, earthy asparagus. Searing the chicken first gives it a delicious golden crust, sealing the moisture in, then finishing in the oven ensures everything cooks perfectly tender.
The combination of the baked asparagus, garlic powder and even a little more Parmesan makes for a nice depth of flavor and a hearty, full dish. This is a quick and easy, one-pot meal, and a wholesome and elegant plate ideal for weeknight dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Caesar Chicken with Asparagus:
Rich, Savory Flavor: A mix of Caesar dressing, Parmesan and garlic powder come together to form a deliciously creamy coating on the chicken, full of flavor.
Effortless: Just about everything comes together in a single skillet, and this recipe is every bit as good as it is easy. The chicken and asparagus cook side by side, so you’re left with a nearly effortless one-pan meal.
Great for Weeknights or Entertaining: This dish is simple enough for a weeknight, but elegant enough to serve to company.
Light and Bright: The lemon garnish adds a brightness that counterbalances the rich Caesar dressing and plays nicely with the tender asparagus.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. A gentle pound to an even thickness means they will cook evenly.
Caesar Dressing: The creaminess and flavor of Caesar dressing. You can buy store-bought for convenience, or use homemade if you prefer. For the best flavor, pick a dressing with pronounced garlic and anchovy notes.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan lends a salty, cheesy layer that gets nice and toasty in the oven. Freshly grated Parmesan has a better/meltier texture and more intense flavor than pre-grated.
Asparagus: The crisp, water-rich crunch of asparagus is a nice balance to the creaminess of the chicken. Be sure to trim the woody ends for tenderness.
Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil is used to brown the chicken and seal in juiceshe and flavor It also contributes to a golden crust on the chicken.
Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder on top of the asparagus layers even more flavor that enhances the Caesar dressing but doesn’t compete with it.
Lemon: Fresh wedges are needed, for a bright finish. The tartness counters the rich, creamy dressing nicely, balancing the dish perfectly.
