Description
Succulent caesar chicken with asparagus delivers classic Italian-American comfort on a single sheet pan. Crisp parmesan edges and tender chicken create a quick weeknight meal you can savor without complex preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 lb (1 pound) asparagus spears (trimmed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 lemon (cut into wedges for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheating: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) to establish optimal roasting conditions for chicken and asparagus.
- Seasoning Chicken: Thoroughly massage salt and pepper into chicken breasts, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
- Searing: Heat oven-proof skillet on medium-high, drizzle with olive oil, and sear chicken until golden-brown on both sides, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Dressing Application: Lavishly coat chicken with Caesar dressing, then generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy layer.
- Asparagus Arrangement: Strategically position asparagus spears around chicken in the skillet, creating a verdant accompaniment.
- Flavor Enhancement: Dust asparagus with garlic powder and additional Parmesan cheese to intensify the dish’s aromatic profile.
- Roasting Process: Transfer skillet to preheated oven, allowing chicken to cook thoroughly and asparagus to achieve tender-crisp perfection for approximately 20 minutes.
- Doneness Verification: Confirm chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure safe consumption.
- Resting Period: Remove skillet from oven and let dish rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution for maximum moisture retention.
- Finishing Touch: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, introducing a vibrant, citrusy brightness to complement the rich, savory elements.
- Serving: Present immediately while piping hot, showcasing a harmonious blend of succulent chicken and crisp asparagus.
Notes
- Prevent Dressing Burning: Caesar dressing can quickly burn at high temperatures, so spread it evenly and watch closely to maintain a rich, creamy coating without charring.
- Achieve Perfect Chicken Sear: Ensure skillet is hot before adding chicken to create a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops deep flavor layers.
- Check Asparagus Tenderness: Asparagus thickness affects cooking time; thinner spears might cook faster, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking and maintain a crisp texture.
- Optimize Meat Temperature: Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, as 165°F ensures chicken is safely cooked while remaining juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg