Cheesy Baked Chicken with Asparagus & Bacon

Cheesy Baked Chicken with Asparagus & Bacon

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or a creamy sauce of choice (e.g., Alfredo)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
3. Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and lightly brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side (optional but adds flavor).
4. Assemble the Dish: In a greased baking dish, arrange the chicken breasts. Layer the trimmed asparagus over the chicken.
5. Add the Cheese & Sauce: Pour the heavy cream over the dish, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar (or any cheese of your choice) evenly on top.
6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Crispy Bacon Finish: Remove the foil, top with crumbled bacon, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Would you like a suggestion for side dishes to pair with this?