One-Pan Caesar Chicken & Asparagus (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and pepper, to taste
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
05 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - Lemon wedges, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step creates a flavorful crust but doesn't fully cook the chicken.
03 - Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the Caesar dressing over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken breasts.
04 - Arrange the trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken in the skillet. Try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking. Season the asparagus with garlic powder and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over everything.
05 - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and asparagus is tender but still slightly crisp.
06 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve each chicken breast with a portion of asparagus, spooning extra sauce from the pan over top. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

# Notes:

01 - For extra flavor, try wrapping small bundles of asparagus with bacon before arranging them in the skillet.
02 - Cherry tomatoes make a colorful and flavorful addition - add them alongside the asparagus before baking.
03 - For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed croutons or panko breadcrumbs over the dish during the last 5 minutes of baking.