Looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love? This baked chicken with asparagus and a savory Parmesan crust is the perfect solution. It’s a creamy chicken and asparagus recipe that brings together tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and a flavorful, crispy topping in one simple dish.
This recipe is designed for busy families who want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of textures and tastes makes it a standout, and the minimal cleanup is an added bonus. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this fantastic dinner with asparagus.
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
Baked Chicken with Asparagus and Parmesan Crust
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This easy and delicious baked chicken with asparagus and a savory Parmesan crust is a perfect weeknight dinner. It features tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and a flavorful, crispy topping, all in one simple dish. Ideal for busy families, it’s a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. 2. Season the Chicken and Asparagus: In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces and asparagus. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the chicken and asparagus are evenly coated. Spread this mixture in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
3. 3. Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Topping: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. 4. Spread the Topping Over the Chicken and Asparagus: Carefully spoon the creamy Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and asparagus in the baking dish. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every single piece perfectly; it will spread as it bakes.
5. 5. Add the Final Parmesan Layer: Sprinkle an additional tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the creamy mixture. This extra layer will create that beautiful golden-brown crust.
6. 6. Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165 F or 74 C), the asparagus should be tender-crisp, and the Parmesan crust should be beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
7. 7. Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the dish
Keywords: chicken, asparagus, parmesan, baked, creamy, easy, weeknight, dinner, savory, crust
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This baked chicken with asparagus and Parmesan crust is a true weeknight hero because it delivers on flavor without demanding a lot of your time or culinary expertise. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that comes together quickly after a long day. The chicken stays incredibly juicy, the asparagus cooks to tender-crisp perfection, and that Parmesan crust adds a delightful savory crunch that elevates the whole dish. It’s a fantastic option for families, as the flavors are generally appealing to both adults and children, and it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Serve it up on a busy Tuesday or a relaxed Sunday evening – it fits seamlessly into any schedule.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for this creamy chicken and asparagus dish is straightforward, relying on common pantry staples and fresh produce. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store, making this a stress-free cooking experience.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
For simple substitutions, you can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. If heavy cream isn’t on hand, half-and-half can work in a pinch, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. Feel free to experiment with different dried herbs if Italian seasoning isn’t your favorite; a touch of dried thyme or oregano would also be lovely. For the Parmesan cheese, freshly grated always offers the best flavor and melt, but pre-grated will work if that’s what you have.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for speed and efficiency, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table without a long wait.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
This timeline ensures you can get a wholesome, flavorful dinner on the table in under an hour, perfect for weeknights.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this baked chicken with asparagus and Parmesan crust is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked and flavorful dish.
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Season the Chicken and Asparagus: In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces and asparagus. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the chicken and asparagus are evenly coated. Spread this mixture in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
- Whip Up the Creamy Parmesan Topping: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the rich, savory crust for your dish.
- Spread the Topping Over the Chicken and Asparagus: Carefully spoon the creamy Parmesan mixture evenly over the chicken and asparagus in the baking dish. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every single piece perfectly; it will spread as it bakes.
- Add the Final Parmesan Layer: Sprinkle an additional tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the creamy mixture. This extra layer will create that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Bake Until Golden and Cooked Through: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), the asparagus should be tender-crisp, and the Parmesan crust should be beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the chicken to redistribute, keeping it moist. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This baked chicken with asparagus and Parmesan crust is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized “nugget” pieces and ensure the asparagus is finely chopped, making it easier for little ones to eat. You might also reduce the amount of Dijon mustard slightly if your kids are sensitive to stronger flavors.
To make this dish a more substantial meal, consider serving it alongside a simple side of fluffy white rice, quinoa, or even some roasted baby potatoes. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the richness of the creamy chicken and asparagus beautifully. For a touch of extra flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving can brighten the entire dish. If you’re looking for an optional topping, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, or a few toasted breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan can enhance the crispy texture of the crust. This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping; simply divide it into individual portions for quick lunches throughout the week.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have a few common pitfalls. Knowing these ahead of time will help you achieve perfect results with your baked chicken and asparagus.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. To avoid this, cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Once it reaches this, remove it from the oven promptly.
- Mushy Asparagus: Asparagus cooks relatively quickly. If cut too small or cooked too long, it can become mushy. Cutting it into 1-inch pieces and ensuring it’s spread in a single layer helps it cook evenly to a tender-crisp texture. Don’t crowd the pan!
- Uneven Browning of the Crust: If your Parmesan crust isn’t browning evenly, it might be due to an uneven oven temperature or not spreading the creamy mixture uniformly. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and that the topping is spread as evenly as possible over the chicken and asparagus.
- Lack of Flavor: While simple, sometimes a lack of seasoning can make a dish bland. Don’t be shy with salt and pepper, and ensure your garlic powder and Italian seasoning are fresh for maximum impact. A little extra Parmesan on top also boosts flavor.
- Sticking to the Pan: Even with non-stick dishes, sometimes creamy sauces can stick. Always lightly grease your baking dish, even if it’s non-stick, to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This baked chicken with asparagus and Parmesan crust is excellent for meal prep and leftovers, but a few tips will help maintain its delicious texture.
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, the best method to preserve the texture is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer a crispier topping, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. You can also microwave individual portions, but be aware that the Parmesan crust may lose some of its crispness, and the asparagus might become slightly softer.
For making ahead, you can prepare the chicken and asparagus mixture and the creamy Parmesan topping separately. Store the seasoned chicken and asparagus in one airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the whisked creamy topping in another container. When ready to bake, combine
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
