Caesar Chicken with Asparagus (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and pepper to taste
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 cup Caesar dressing, store-bought or homemade
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 pound asparagus spears, trimmed
07 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Lemon wedges for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking of the chicken and asparagus.
02 - Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides to build a flavorful base.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the skillet from the heat.
04 - Pour Caesar dressing over the seared chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
05 - Tuck trimmed asparagus spears around the chicken in the skillet, then dust them with garlic powder. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan over the asparagus.
06 - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 74°C) and the asparagus is tender-crisp.
07 - Remove the skillet from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving for added brightness.

# Notes:

01 - For a lighter option, use a reduced-fat Caesar dressing or make your own with Greek yogurt. Adding lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the dish.