Mediterranean Caesar Chicken with Roasted Asparagus & Lemon-Parmesan Essence

🍽️ Mediterranean Caesar Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

A bright, zesty, and protein-packed dish combining juicy Caesar-style chicken with tender roasted asparagus and a fresh lemon-parmesan finish. Perfect for healthy dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

For the Roasted Asparagus

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Lemon-Parmesan Essence

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp finely grated Parmesan

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Mix olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.

3. Rub mixture all over the chicken breasts.

4. Sear chicken in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.

5. Transfer to a baking dish.

Step 2: Roast the Asparagus

1. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

2. Spread on a baking tray.

3. Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Place chicken in the oven alongside asparagus.

2. Bake for 12–15 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp: 75°C / 165°F).

Step 4: Make Lemon-Parmesan Essence

1. Whisk lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, and Dijon.

2. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 5: Serve

• Plate chicken with roasted asparagus.

• Drizzle lemon-parmesan essence on top.

• Garnish with fresh herbs.

❓ Q & A

Q: What makes this “Mediterranean-style”?

A: Olive oil, fresh lemon, herbs, garlic, and Parmesan give it a light, fresh Mediterranean flavor.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead?

A: Yes! Grill on medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.

Q: Is this dish good for weight loss?

A: Absolutely! It’s high-protein, low-carb, and nutrient-dense.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

A: Yes! Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or skip it.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?

A:

• Fridge: 3–4 days

• Freezer (chicken only): up to 2 months

Q: What can I serve with this?

A:

• Quinoa

• Brown rice

• Roasted potatoes

• Mediterranean salad

Q: Can I make it spicy?

A: Yes! Add chili flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce to the marinade.