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Caesar chicken with asparagus is a fuss-free weeknight dinner that always feels a little fancy yet takes almost no time to get onto the table. It pairs juicy seared chicken with tender asparagus and coats everything in savory Caesar dressing and grated Parmesan. If you are craving simple comfort but want some green on your plate too, this recipe delivers big flavor and balance.
I first whipped this up when asparagus was on sale and my fridge was basically empty except for some Caesar dressing. My husband raves about the caramelized cheese crust and asks for it even in the winter.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless pick ones that are thick for the juiciest result
- Salt and black pepper: to season generously for flavor
- Olive oil: use extra virgin if you can it lends a richer taste and a golden sear
- Caesar dressing: any creamy Caesar works store-bought or homemade
- Parmesan cheese: grated for the top get fresh Parm and grate it yourself for the best melt
- Asparagus spears: bright green and firm avoid limp or wilted stalks
- Garlic powder: for extra savoriness
- Lemon wedges: fresh lemon brightens the rich flavors at serving
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels which ensures a great sear. Preheat your oven to 375F. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper not just a pinch as most seasonings will be lost in cooking.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Place a large ovenproof skillet on medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering lay in the chicken breasts without crowding. Let them cook untouched for three to four minutes until the underside is golden brown. Flip each piece and repeat on the second side. This step locks in the juices and creates an appetizing crust.
- Add Dressing and Cheese:
- Remove the skillet from the stove so the dressing does not burn. Pour the Caesar dressing evenly over each piece of chicken making sure everything is well coated and not just drizzled. Next sprinkle the grated Parmesan thickly over the dressing so it covers the top. This will create a cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Add the Asparagus:
- Spread the trimmed asparagus spears all around and in between the chicken pieces so they cook in the roasting juices and get maximum flavor. Dust the asparagus and any exposed chicken with garlic powder and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Roast until Tender:
- Slide the skillet into your hot oven and roast for about eighteen to twenty two minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches 165F internally and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Asparagus should be tender yet bright green. Let everything rest for five minutes before serving which keeps the meat juicy.
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The Parmesan cheese forms a gorgeous crust so I always sneak a crispy piece before anyone else gets to the table. My mom started this tradition of adding asparagus to our chicken dinners and now it feels wrong to skip it.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers let the chicken and asparagus cool before storing. Place everything in an airtight container but try to keep the asparagus on top to prevent over-soaking. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze cooked chicken pieces separately for quick salads or sandwiches later.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in broccoli florets if asparagus is not in season or use boneless skinless thighs for a richer flavor. Greek yogurt mixed with some anchovy paste and lemon juice makes a speedy Caesar if you want to skip bottled dressing.
Serving Suggestions
I love this recipe with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy juices or tossed with cooked pasta for a more substantial meal. A fresh leafy salad with a little lemon vinaigrette is all you need to round out the plate.
Cultural and Historical Context
Caesar salad originated in Mexico from an Italian chef so this dish gives a fun cross-cultural twist by turning those classic salad flavors into a main course. Asparagus and chicken are both favored in Mediterranean and American cooking so it is easy to adapt for all sorts of audiences.
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This is an easy all-in-one dinner that feels just special enough to serve company. The combination of creamy dressing, juicy chicken, and crisp asparagus is a classic for a reason.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, but adjust cooking time to ensure they cook through, as boneless breasts cook faster than bone-in.
- → What can I substitute for Caesar dressing?
You can use ranch or a homemade blend of mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan as an alternative.
- → Will frozen asparagus work?
Frozen asparagus can be used, but thaw and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
- → Should the skillet be covered in the oven?
No, baking uncovered allows the cheese to brown and the asparagus to roast properly.
- → How can I make this dish ahead?
Assemble everything in the skillet up to step before baking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.