Caesar Chicken with Asparagus (Printable Version)

Seared chicken and asparagus bathed in creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese for a quick, tasty meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Poultry

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, plump and fresh

→ Vegetables

02 - 500 grams asparagus spears, trimmed with firm tips
03 - Lemon wedges, for finishing and garnish

→ Dairy & Cheese

04 - 60 grams grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated if possible

→ Condiments & Seasonings

05 - 120 milliliters creamy Caesar dressing, store-bought or homemade
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
08 - Salt, to taste
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Steps:

01 - Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
02 - Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sear each chicken breast for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, locking in moisture for juicy meat.
03 - Nestle the trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle garlic powder evenly over the asparagus and chicken for a subtle, mellow garlic aroma.
04 - Remove the skillet from heat. Pour creamy Caesar dressing liberally over the chicken breasts, then generously sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, creating a rich cheesy layer.
05 - Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F). Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C and the asparagus retains a slight crunch.
06 - Immediately upon removal from the oven, serve with fresh lemon wedges. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and asparagus for a bright, refreshing finish that enhances all flavors.

# Notes:

01 - Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices and ensure moistness.
02 - Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness, avoiding overcooking while ensuring safety.
03 - For dairy-free options, substitute Caesar dressing with a vegan version and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.