Description
Savory caesar chicken with asparagus delights palates with classic Italian-inspired flavors. Crisp greens, tender chicken, and zesty dressing combine for an elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Vegetables:
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 cup peas, frozen (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for the chicken and vegetables.
- Position chicken breasts in a baking dish, generously coating with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to develop robust flavor profiles.
- Lavishly drench chicken pieces with Caesar dressing, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum taste infusion.
- Carefully distribute trimmed asparagus and optional frozen peas around the chicken, creating a colorful and nutritious meal foundation.
- Enhance the dish by sprinkling mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken and vegetables, adding a rich, creamy dimension.
- Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, baking for 25 minutes to lock in moisture and initiate cooking.
- Remove foil after initial baking period, continuing to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling topping.
- Allow the dish to rest momentarily after removing from oven, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- Serve immediately while warm, presenting a harmonious blend of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and indulgent Caesar-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Customize Caesar Dressing for Dietary Needs: Swap traditional Caesar dressing with Greek yogurt-based or vegan alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising flavor.
- Maximize Chicken Tenderness: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, ensuring juicier meat.
- Elevate Vegetable Texture: Cut asparagus into uniform sizes for even cooking, and consider briefly blanching before baking to maintain vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
- Smart Cheese Melting Technique: Use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for optimal meltiness and rich, complex cheese flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg