Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake: A Comforting and Delicious Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavorful, and relatively easy weeknight meal? This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake is the perfect solution! It combines tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and a luscious creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a family favorite, and it’s sure to become one of yours too. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Comforting and Flavorful:** The creamy sauce, combined with the savory chicken and slightly sweet asparagus, creates a delightful and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and is relatively straightforward to put together.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Perfect for Weeknights:** It’s quick enough to make on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy the combination of chicken, creamy sauce, and familiar vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Asparagus:** 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
* **Milk:** 2 cups whole milk (or a combination of milk and cream for extra richness).
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium onion, chopped.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Optional:** 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) for deglazing the pan.
* **Optional Topping:** Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added texture.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Whisk

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake:

**1. Prepare the Chicken and Asparagus:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
* Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.
* Wash and trim the asparagus. Snap off the tough ends and cut the stalks into 1-2 inch pieces.

**2. Sauté the Chicken:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**

* In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**4. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the skillet.
* Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
* *Optional Deglazing Step:* If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds extra flavor to the sauce.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Stir in the dried thyme, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**5. Combine and Bake:**

* Add the cooked chicken and asparagus to the creamy sauce in the skillet. Stir to combine and coat everything evenly.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
* Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
* *Optional Topping:* If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese for added texture.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

**6. Let it Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly.
* Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Vegetables:** You can substitute or add other vegetables to this recipe, such as broccoli, mushrooms, peas, or carrots. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add Bacon:** Crispy cooked bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to this dish. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the top before baking.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, cheddar, or fontina. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the bake.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch or tapioca starch as a thickening agent.
* **Add a Kick of Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Use Pre-Cooked Chicken:** If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken in this recipe. Just shred or dice the chicken and add it to the sauce.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
* **Substitute Cream of Chicken Soup:** For a quicker version, you can substitute the homemade cream sauce with cream of chicken soup. Just mix the soup with a little milk or chicken broth to thin it out and add the seasonings.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:

* **Rice:** Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
* **Pasta:** Toss it with cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, for a hearty and satisfying meal.
* **Quinoa:** Serve it with quinoa for a healthy and protein-packed option.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with this dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bake.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture may be slightly different.
* **Freezing:** While not ideal, you can freeze the bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it will still be edible.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use frozen asparagus?**
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the recipe. Keep in mind that frozen asparagus may be slightly softer than fresh asparagus.
* **Can I use different types of chicken?**
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs will be more flavorful and moist, but they may take a little longer to cook.
* **Can I add other seasonings?**
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
* **Can I make this recipe vegetarian?**
Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **The sauce is too thick. What should I do?**
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
* **The sauce is too thin. What should I do?**
If the sauce is too thin, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and whisk it into the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

## Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Bake is a delicious and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and creamy sauce, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal! Don’t hesitate to customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or spices. Enjoy!