Caesar Chicken, Air Fryer Broccoli, Rice, & Garlic Cheesy Bread

Caesar Chicken, Air Fryer Broccoli, Rice,

& Garlic Cheese Bread

Caesar Chicken Tenders:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 - 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 min
Yield: 6 - 8

Ingredients:

1-2 lb chicken breast, boneless skinless, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise (3-4 breasts)

1/2 - 1 tsp kosher salt

1/2 - 1 tsp Lawry's season salt

1/2 - 1 tsp ground black pepper

8 oz Marzetti creamy caesar dressing

4 - 6 oz shredded parmesan, tuscan blend flakes, or Italian blends of cheese (see note)

1-2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a prepared 9x13 baking dish, place the chicken right side up. Mix the salts and pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle a little of the mixture on each. Flip the breasts over with tongs and sprinkle the remaining mixture on the bottoms.

3. Slowly pour the caesar dressing on each strip, careful to use only half. Take a spoon or spatula and spread the dressing evenly over the the chicken. Flip the chicken back over and repeat on the top of the breasts, using the remainder of the dressing.

4. Bake the tenders for 20 - 25 minutes, until the temperature with a meat thermometer reaches 165 degrees.

5. Take out of the oven and turn the broiler on high. Sprinkle the parmesan, or cheese of choice, onto the top of each tender. Return the dish to the oven to broil the cheese for 2-3 minutes until melted and starting to brown.

6. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle each piece with a little fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes:

I really enjoy parmesan, sharp white cheddar, or an Italian blend on this. Sargento has an Aged Italian Blend that works very well which I used on tonight's dish!

Air Fryer Broccoli:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients:

1 lb broccoli, about 4-5 cups, cut into bite-sized florets

2 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp minced garlic

3/4 tsp kosher salt, or to taste

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions:

1. Set air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Whisk together the oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of the parmesan in a large bowl.

3. Add the broccoli florets and stir until they are well coated in the sauce.

4. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese on top of broccoli and toss to coat.

5. Add broccoli to the air fryer in a single layer and air fry for 10-14 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. Add additional time if needed for desired tenderness.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Garlic Bread with Cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 - 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 16 slices

Ingredients:

1 loaf French bread, about 16 oz

1 stick salted butter, melted

1 tbsp minced garlic

1/4 cup Olive Garden Italian dressing (or any Italian dressing)

1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded

2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend, divided

Fresh Parsley, to garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a cookie sheet for the bread.

2. Add the butter, garlic, and Italian salad dressing to a small bowl and microwave for 15 seconds at a time until melted. Stir well. Meanwhile, slice the French bread in half lengthwise. Place the halves on a baking sheet and spread the top of each half with equal amounts of the garlic butter mixture.

3. Spread 1 cup of the Italian cheese blend over both halves. Next, spread the shredded parmesan over both halves, then top with the last cup of Italian cheese.

4. Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Remove the bread from the oven and increase the temperature to 425 degrees. Sprinkle both slices with fresh parsley, then return the bread to the oven. Bake for 6 - 8 additional minutes, until the top begins to brown.

5. Remove and cut into 1-inch slices. Serve hot!

I did serve this dinner with rice. I used Ben's Original Ready Rice Roasted Chicken for a quick and easy side to simplify dinner for me.