Description
A flavorful Caesar Chicken with Asparagus recipe combining tender, golden-crusted chicken breasts and crisp asparagus spears sautéed with garlic and tossed in creamy Caesar dressing, topped with Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a hint of lemon zest for a bright and balanced meal perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dressing and Toppings
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra Parmesan shavings
- Lemon zest for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Trim the ends off the asparagus and decide whether to cut the chicken breasts into even pieces or leave them whole based on your preference. Mince the garlic and grate the Parmesan cheese, setting all aside for easy access.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until a golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest to retain juices.
- Sauté Asparagus and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if necessary. Add the asparagus spears and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to promote even cooking. Add the minced garlic halfway through this process to infuse flavor without burning it, keeping asparagus tender but crisp.
- Combine and Coat: Reduce heat to medium-low, return the cooked chicken to the pan with asparagus. Pour in the Caesar dressing and gently toss everything to coat evenly. Add lemon juice for a touch of brightness and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture to enhance the savory flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the coated chicken and asparagus to a serving dish. Top with extra Parmesan shavings, croutons if desired, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Garnish with lemon zest and serve warm for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, consider gently pounding chicken breasts to even thickness before cooking.
- Use homemade Caesar dressing for a fresher, customized flavor.
- To keep asparagus tender-crisp, avoid overcooking; they should still have a slight bite.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently to preserve texture.
- For a low-carb option, skip the croutons or substitute with toasted nuts.
