Cheesy Baked Chicken and Asparagus is a hearty, wholesome dish featuring tender chicken breasts and crisp asparagus spears smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, then baked until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish brings together lean protein, nutritious vegetables, and melted cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal. It’s simple to prepare and works for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Asparagus spears, trimmed
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper
- Heavy cream
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Paprika
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat oven and grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden on both sides.
- Arrange asparagus around the chicken in the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream, garlic, and cheeses. Pour over chicken and asparagus.
- Bake until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Use broccoli or green beans instead of asparagus.
- Add cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Swap cream for a lighter milk-based sauce.
- Use cheddar or Gruyère cheese for a different taste.
Storage/Reheating
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure doneness.
Will frozen asparagus work?
Fresh is recommended, but frozen can be used if well-drained.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
What cheese melts best for this recipe?
Mozzarella is ideal, but Gruyère or provolone work well too.
Can I omit the cream?
Yes, use a dairy-free alternative or light cream.
How do I keep the asparagus from getting soggy?
Don’t overbake and use thicker spears for better texture.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein and fat.
What’s a good side for this dish?
Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes or a touch of cayenne to the cream.
How do I know the chicken is cooked?
Use a thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Cheesy Baked Chicken and Asparagus is a balanced, flavorful dish perfect for busy nights or special occasions. It’s creamy, comforting, and sure to become a household favorite.
Print
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This baked chicken and asparagus dish is cheesy, creamy, and baked to golden perfection—ideal for a simple weeknight dinner packed with protein and greens.
Ingredients
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4 boneless chicken breasts
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1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Place chicken and asparagus in a greased baking dish.
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Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic.
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Pour cream evenly over and top with mozzarella.
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Bake for 25–30 mins until bubbly and golden.
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Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Notes
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Use provolone or gouda for a twist.
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Great with mashed potatoes or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins