Name: Savory Caesar Chicken & Asparagus
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup Caesar dressing (store‑bought or homemade); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 lemon, cut into wedges for garnish

I created this as a one‑pan, flavor-packed dinner—tender chicken breasts baked alongside crisp-tender asparagus, all coated in creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan, with a bright lemon finish.

Savory Caesar Chicken & Asparagus

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that it’s a quick one-pan meal with minimal cleanup. The Caesar dressing and Parmesan make the chicken rich and savory, while the fresh asparagus and a squeeze of lemon keep the dish bright and balanced. It’s elegant enough for company, yet easy enough for busy weeknights.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup Caesar dressing (store‑bought or homemade)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for garnish

directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then remove skillet from heat.
Spoon Caesar dressing over the chicken, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan.
Tuck trimmed asparagus around the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder—and extra Parmesan if desired.
Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and asparagus is tender‑crisp.
Let rest briefly, then squeeze lemon over the dish just before serving.

Servings and timing

Makes 4 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Garlic-lovers’ version: I like adding 1–2 minced garlic cloves when searing the chicken for extra depth.
Tomato twist: Tossing in cherry tomatoes with the asparagus adds a pop of color and juicy sweetness.
Herbed Caesar: Stirring in rosemary, thyme, or basil into the dressing and adding lemon zest gives it a fresh spin.
Chicken thighs swap: Boneless, skinless thighs work great—bake for 25–30 minutes instead.
Spicy version: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat.

storage/reheating

Storing: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: I freeze the chicken and asparagus separately; chicken keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: I reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions briefly, watching so the asparagus doesn’t overcook.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes, but I prefer fresh for better texture. If using frozen, I thaw and drain it well to reduce moisture.

Is this dish low-carb or keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and works well for low-carb or keto diets, especially with a sugar-free Caesar dressing.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely. I use boneless thighs sometimes—they stay juicy and flavorful and just need a few more minutes in the oven.

Can I make this vegan?

I’ve made a vegan version by using tofu instead of chicken, a plant-based Caesar dressing, and dairy-free Parmesan.

How do I make Caesar dressing from scratch?

I whisk together mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, anchovy paste, olive oil, and Parmesan until creamy.

Conclusion

This Caesar Chicken & Asparagus recipe is my go-to for a fast yet impressive dinner. It balances creamy and bright flavors, cooks all in one pan, and adapts easily to my taste. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a casual dinner party, it delivers delicious results with minimal effort.