My hubby can’t get enough of this meal—he’s always asking for it at least once a week.

Long before kitchens boasted sophisticated gadgets, before the world felt so rushin’ fast, we had the tradition of gatherin’ around the table, passin’ down recipes that were as much about family as they were about food. Today’s lemon-garlic Caesar chicken bake is a nod to those days but with a practical twist suitable for our hurly-burly times. Originating from the classic Caesar salad, this dish has been reimagined to satisfy a hearty Midwestern appetite while still keepin’ a wink to its Italian roots. It’s the kind of meal you make when you want to envelop your loved ones in the flavors of home—zesty lemon, punchy garlic, and tender chicken all mingle together to create a deliciously comforting dish.

To compliment the richness of the lemon-garlic Caesar chicken bake, I like to keep sides simple. A fresh garden salad, light and crisp, or perhaps some roasted vegetables—we’re talkin’ carrots, zucchinis, and maybe a few red onions—all drizzled with a bit of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. And no Midwestern table would be complete without a generous serving of buttery mashed potatoes or, for those summer days, a cool helping of potato salad.