Instructions:
Prepare for Baking
Preheat Oven: Get your oven to 375°F (190°C) for consistent cooking.
Season Chicken: Pat both sides of the chicken breasts with a liberal amount of salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken
Sear Chicken: Heat a touch of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium high heat.
Sear Chicken: Carefully add the chicken breasts in a single layer into the hot skillet. Sear on both sides for approximately 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step helps to seal in juices and builds in additional flavor depth.
Remove from Heat: After the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from the heat.
Add Caesar Magic
Add Caesar Dressing: Generously drizzle Caesar dressing all over each piece of chicken and cover!
Add Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan so you have a chewy, cheesy layer that will brown and crisp in the oven.
Arrange Asparagus
Add Asparagus: Scatter trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken breasts in the skillet.
Season Asparagus: Sprinkle garlic powder on top of the asparagus to give it flavor. For a little more decadence, shred a touch of Parmesan over the asparagus to make a crispy layer of cheese.
Bake
Transfer skillet to Oven: Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20 or so minutes. The chicken will be done once it reaches 165°F (74°C) and the asparagus is tender-crisp. If you like your asparagus a little softer, bake it a few minutes longer.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with Lemon: Take the skillet out of the oven and let it sit briefly. Drizzle the chicken and asparagus with fresh lemon juice for a bright touch that plays off the creamy Caesar dressing.
Serving Suggestions:
This Caesar Chicken with Asparagus is satisfying on its own, but here’s how to round out the meal:
Rice or Pasta: Serve with rice or pasta to soak up the yummy Caesar sauce.
Mashed Potatoes: The chicken is great with creamy mashed potatoes and adds an extra comfort element to the meal.
Crusty Bread: A crusty baguette or dinner rolls are helpful in scooping up all the extra sauce.
Side Salad: For a lighter note, serve with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a crisp, fresh counterpoint.
The dish is also very good for serving from the skillet, making it a great family-style meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
I love this Caesar Chicken with Asparagus as leftovers, it reheats easily for lunches or dinners.
Storing Leftovers
Any unused portions can be kept in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen and meld, making it even more delicious tomorrow.
Freezing
If you’re freezing this dish, it’s really best to freeze the chicken separate from the asparagus, as the asparagus might thaw mushy. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and keep 1 to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken and asparagus in a dish that can go in the oven, cover it with foil, and bake the chicken at 350°F (175°C) until hot. You may also microwave individual servings; just be careful not to overcook the asparagus.
Recipe Variations to Try:
This has been such a versatile, easy recipe to customize — Caesar Chicken with Asparagus. Here are a few variations:
Garlic Caesar Chicken
For a bolder garlic flavor, toss in 1 to 2 minced cloves to the skillet when you sear the chicken. This gives the sauce an additional layer of savoriness.
Caesar Chicken Atop Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Stir a handful of cherry tomatoes into the skillet, along with the asparagus. They’ll provide a pop of color and a sweet and juicy note that offsets the creamy dressing.
Lemon Herb Caesar Chicken
In the Caesar dressing, incorporate fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme or basil for a fresh, herby kick. Sprinkle more lemon zest on top for a jolt of citrus.
Oven-Baked Caesar Chicken Thighs and Asparagus
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of the chicken breasts. They’ll cook a bit longer (around 25 to 30 minutes) but will be extra juicy and flavorful.
Asparagus with Spicy Caesar Chicken
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Caesar dressing auto boost up to the zero level. This version is made for the spice lovers out there!
Conclusion:
This Caesar Chicken with Asparagus is an easy to make but flavorful one-pan meal. The creamy Caesar dressing, golden Parmesan topping and tender-crisp asparagus find a harmonious balance that’s pleasing and refreshing. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you’ve got an easy, bombastic meal that’s great for any day of the week.
So, get out your skillet, preheat that oven and indulge in this flavorful, cheesy, savory dish — you’ll be glad you did!
