Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake Recipe

Indulgent Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets elegance in this delightful creamy chicken and asparagus bake that promises a memorable meal.

Tender chicken pieces nestle alongside crisp green spears in a velvety sauce.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish both nutritious and indulgent.

Simple techniques make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.

Aromas of herbs and melted cheese will fill your kitchen with warmth.

Fresh asparagus adds a vibrant touch to the classic comfort food.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that transforms an ordinary dinner into something special.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious bite!

Why Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake Stands Out

  • Quick Culinary Delight: Masterfully combines chicken and asparagus in a single skillet, delivering a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen cleanup.
  • Versatile Dining Experience: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, adapting easily to different side dish preferences like rice, pasta, or potatoes.
  • One-Pan Cooking Magic: Eliminates multiple dish washing by preparing and finishing the entire meal in a single ovenproof skillet, reducing kitchen stress and saving precious time.
  • Flavor-Packed Nutrition: Blends lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich asparagus, creating a balanced and satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste or health benefits.

Ingredients List For Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein in this creamy dish.
Herbs and Seasoning:
  • Thyme Sprigs: Fresh herbs that add a delicate, earthy flavor to the sauce.
  • Granulated Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
Vegetables:
  • Asparagus: A fresh, green vegetable that provides a crisp texture and nutritional boost to the bake.
  • Shallots: A mild, sweet onion that adds depth and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
Liquid and Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and providing a base for cooking.
  • White Wine, Chicken Broth: Liquids that create a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Crème Fraîche, Parmesan Cheese: Ingredients that contribute to the creamy, rich texture of the sauce.
Binding and Coating:
  • Flour: Used to lightly coat the chicken for better browning and sauce thickening.

Steps To Cook Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting it ready for a delicious culinary adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

  • Chicken breasts
  • Flour
  • Granulated garlic
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Sprinkle the chicken with flour and seasonings.

Sizzle the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, creating a gorgeous golden-brown exterior by cooking each side for 4-5 minutes. Carefully transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

Toss chopped shallots into the same skillet, letting them dance and soften for 2-3 minutes. Pour in white wine and chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Add Fresh Greens

Introduce fresh asparagus and thyme sprigs to the bubbling sauce, ensuring the green stalks get beautifully coated.

Step 5: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Gently nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, positioning it atop the asparagus.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness.

Step 7: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pull the skillet from the oven and swirl in crème fraîche and Parmesan cheese, transforming the liquid into a silky, rich sauce.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the chicken and asparagus immediately, sprinkling extra Parmesan on top.

Serve alongside rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Pro-Level Tips For Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake

  • Enhance the chicken's flavor by thoroughly patting it dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear. Select fresh, thin asparagus spears for the most tender texture and vibrant green color. Swap crème fraîche with Greek yogurt or light cream for a lighter version while maintaining the dish's creamy consistency. Keep an eye on cooking time to prevent chicken from drying out, using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Consider making this dish gluten-free by replacing flour with cornstarch or almond flour when coating the chicken.

Fresh Takes On Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake

  • Mediterranean Magic: Replace white wine with lemon juice, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Splash: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap crème fraîche for sour cream, and top with cilantro and pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Rustic Mushroom Medley: Add sliced cremini mushrooms during the sautéing stage, use thyme-infused cream, and garnish with fresh parsley for an earthy undertone.
  • Asian-Inspired Fusion: Substitute white wine with rice vinegar, mix in ginger and soy sauce, then finish with sesame seeds and green onions for an international taste sensation.

Top Sides For Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked California or French Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the chicken's delicate flavors without overpowering the dish.
  • Rustic Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the rich, velvety sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast and extending the meal's enjoyment.
  • Herbed Pilaf Side Dish: Prepare a light herbed rice pilaf with parsley and lemon zest to balance the creamy chicken, providing a fresh and zesty accompaniment that cuts through the richness.

How To Store Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake Right

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken and asparagus bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remains good for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Microwave Option: Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce moisture.

FAQ Guide For Creamy Chicken And Asparagus Bake

  • Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or chicken tenders. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

  • Is it necessary to use crème fraîche, or can I substitute it?

You can replace crème fraîche with heavy cream or sour cream. Each will give a slightly different flavor and texture to the sauce.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the dish up to the point of adding crème fraîche, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven and finish with the creamy sauce just before serving.

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Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake Recipe

Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent chicken and asparagus mingle in this dreamy Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake, blending Mediterranean herbs with rich, velvety sauce. Comfort meets elegance on your plate, inviting you to savor each luxurious, harmonious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) white wine
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) crème fraîche
  • 1/4 cup (60 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) flour
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Elevate the oven temperature to a sizzling 400°F (200°C), preparing for a culinary transformation.
  2. Coat chicken breasts with a seasoned mixture of flour, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper. In an ovenproof skillet heated with olive oil, sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior. Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.
  3. Introduce finely chopped shallots to the same skillet, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes. Deglaze the pan by pouring in white wine and chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits.
  4. Gently nestle thyme sprigs and asparagus into the liquid, ensuring each spear is lovingly coated with the developing sauce.
  5. Carefully place the seared chicken atop the asparagus, creating a harmonious layered composition.
  6. Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches perfect doneness.
  7. Extract the skillet from the oven and whisk in crème fraîche and Parmesan cheese, transforming the sauce into a luxuriously creamy consistency.
  8. Present the dish immediately, adorned with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, accompanied by your choice of rice, pasta, or potatoes for a complete gastronomic experience.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking, ensuring each piece gets perfectly golden and tender.
  • If avoiding wine, substitute with additional chicken broth or white grape juice for depth of flavor without alcohol.
  • Create a gluten-free version by replacing flour with cornstarch or almond flour when seasoning chicken.
  • Customize the protein by swapping chicken with turkey breast or firm white fish for a delightful variation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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