
This Caesar Chicken with Asparagus transforms weeknight dinner into something special without hours in the kitchen. The tangy dressing caramelizes slightly in the oven creating a delicious crust on the chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
I stumbled upon this recipe when trying to use up leftover Caesar dressing in my fridge. What began as a kitchen experiment quickly became my go to dinner when hosting friends who always ask for the recipe before leaving.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts. Choose pieces of similar thickness for even cooking. If they vary significantly pound them between parchment paper for uniformity.
- Asparagus spears. Look for bright green stalks with tightly closed tips. Thinner spears work best as they cook more quickly alongside the chicken.
- Caesar dressing. Use your favorite store bought variety or homemade. The quality of your dressing directly impacts the final flavor of this dish.
- Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated offers superior flavor and melting qualities compared to pre shredded options.
- Garlic powder. Adds depth to the asparagus without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic.
- Olive oil. Choose a good quality oil for searing the chicken creates the foundation of flavor.
- Salt and black pepper. Proper seasoning makes all the difference. Be generous.
- Lemon wedges. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the Caesar dressing and cheese.
How To Make Caesar Chicken with Asparagus
- Prepare the oven
- Heat your oven to 190°C. This moderate temperature allows the chicken to cook through without burning the cheese topping.
- Season the chicken
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper making sure to cover the entire surface.
- Sear to perfection
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet until it shimmers. Place chicken breasts in the hot pan without crowding and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden brown. This creates a flavorful crust that seals in moisture.
- Add the Caesar topping
- Remove the skillet from heat. Pour the Caesar dressing evenly over each piece of chicken making sure to coat the tops completely. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese creating a thick layer that will form a delicious crust.
- Arrange the asparagus
- Carefully place trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken in a single layer if possible. Sprinkle asparagus with garlic powder and a bit more Parmesan if desired. The asparagus will roast in the flavorful pan juices.
- Bake to completion
- Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. The chicken should register 165°F on an instant read thermometer and the asparagus should be tender with slightly crisp tips.
- Finish with lemon
- Before serving garnish the dish with fresh lemon wedges. A squeeze of lemon juice over both the chicken and asparagus brightens all the flavors.
Caesar dressing has always been my secret weapon in the kitchen. While most people reserve it strictly for salads I discovered years ago that its rich combination of garlic parmesan and anchovy creates magic when cooked. The slight caramelization that happens in the oven transforms an ordinary dressing into an extraordinary sauce.
Make Ahead Options
This recipe works beautifully for meal prep. You can season the chicken breasts and trim the asparagus up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook. For even quicker preparation you can sear the chicken ahead of time refrigerate and then finish with the dressing cheese and baking step just before serving.
Perfect Pairings
While this dish stands perfectly on its own adding a simple starch creates a complete meal. Consider serving alongside buttered orzo pasta roasted baby potatoes or a crusty piece of garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan juices. For a lighter option a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions
If asparagus is out of season or not available you can easily substitute green beans broccoli florets or even halved Brussels sprouts. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as denser vegetables may need a few extra minutes. For the protein chicken thighs work wonderfully and offer even more flavor though cooking time might increase slightly. If you prefer a lighter version Greek yogurt based Caesar dressing creates a tangier result with fewer calories.

Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this dish?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully as a substitute! They're naturally more moist and flavorful, though they may require an additional 5-7 minutes of baking time. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- → What can I substitute for Caesar dressing?
If you don't have Caesar dressing, you can use creamy Italian dressing, Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and garlic, or even a mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic and anchovy paste (optional). Each alternative will create a slightly different flavor profile but maintain the creamy element.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a breast - the meat should be completely white with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear.
- → Can I prepare any elements of this dish ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and trim the asparagus up to a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You could also sear the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate, then continue with the Caesar dressing, cheese, and asparagus before baking when ready to serve.
- → What sides pair well with Caesar chicken and asparagus?
This dish works beautifully with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted potatoes. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a grain like quinoa or farro to soak up the delicious sauce that forms during baking.
- → How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave portions, though the chicken may dry out slightly.