Caesar Chicken with Asparagus

This is a delicious and relatively simple dish that combines classic Caesar flavors with tender chicken and fresh asparagus.

Here’s a popular way to prepare it:

Yields: 2-4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz or 170-225g each), pounded to an even thickness (about ¾ inch)
  • ¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing (plus more for drizzling, if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for cooking)

For the Asparagus:

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 lb or 450g), tough ends trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings/Garnish:

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese
  • Croutons, crushed or whole (for Caesar salad crunch)
  • Fresh lemon wedges
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): * Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. If they are very thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to make thinner cutlets, or pound them to an even thickness for more consistent cooking. * In a bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts, ¼ cup Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic (if using). Season lightly with salt and pepper (Caesar dressing already has salt). * Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. * Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 4 hours.

2. Prepare the Asparagus: * Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to roast the asparagus and bake the chicken. * Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough woody ends. * On a baking sheet (you can use the same one for the chicken later, or a separate one), toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it in a single layer.

3. Cook the Chicken and Asparagus:

You have a few options for cooking:

* **Option 1: Baking (Recommended for ease):**
    * Arrange the marinated chicken breasts on one side of a large baking sheet. Place the prepared asparagus on the other side.
    * Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the asparagus is tender-crisp. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. You might need to remove the asparagus a bit earlier if it's cooking faster than the chicken.
    * *Tip: For a golden-brown top on the chicken, you can switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.*

* **Option 2: Pan-Searing Chicken & Roasting/Sautéing Asparagus:**
    * **For the Asparagus:** Roast as described above, or you can sauté it. To sauté, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-8 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
    * **For the Chicken:** In the same skillet (or a separate one), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
    * Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess drip off.
    * Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).

* **Option 3: Grilling:**
    * Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
    * Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
    * Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill for 3-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp and slightly charred.

4. Rest and Serve: * Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy. * Serve the Caesar chicken alongside the cooked asparagus. * Drizzle with additional Caesar dressing if desired. * Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, crushed croutons for that authentic Caesar crunch, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, or chopped parsley.

Tips for Success:

  • Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast can become dry if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) but not much higher.
  • Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks uniformly.
  • Quality Dressing: The flavor of your Caesar dressing will significantly impact the dish, so use one you enjoy.
  • Asparagus Thickness: Adjust cooking time for the asparagus based on its thickness. Thinner spears will cook faster.
  • Make it a Full Meal: Serve with a side of rice, quinoa, pasta, or roasted potatoes for a more complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious Caesar Chicken with Asparagus.

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