Caesar Chicken with Asparagus

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup of Caesar dressing, store-bought or homemade
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound of asparagus spears, trimmed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Lemon wedges for garnish
  Directions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to your liking.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. Once the chicken is browned, take the skillet off the heat and pour the Caesar dressing over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
4. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken.
5. Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle the asparagus with garlic powder and a little extra cheese if you like.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and asparagus is tender.
7. Serve the chicken and asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for zesty brightness.
   Variations & Tips

• For those with little ones who turn their noses up at green veggies, try wrapping the asparagus in a slice of bacon before baking. Everything’s better with bacon, right?
• If there are any dietary concerns, feel free to substitute the traditional Caesar dressing with a lighter version or a homemade one where you can control all the ingredients.
• Not a fan of asparagus? Swap it out for green beans or even roasted broccoli.
• Want to add a little crunch? Toss some croutons into the skillet during the last few minutes of baking for that classic Caesar salad touch.
• To make this dish even more robust, you can add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet before placing it in the oven. They’ll roast up nice and sweet, providing a lovely contrast to the savory flavors.

Remember, the best meals are the ones made with love and shared with family and friends. Here’s to hoping this Caesar Chicken with Asparagus finds a place in your recipe box and your hearts. Enjoy!