Festive Chicken with Asparagus: A Delightful Dish Perfect for Any Occasion
This Festive Chicken with Asparagus is a truly delightful dish that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special gatherings. Originating from the charming “Touched by a Rainbow” Kansas cookbook, this recipe is an excellent choice for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 20 minutes, it fits seamlessly into any busy schedule. The recipe is thoughtfully designed to serve six people, and it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, enhancing its versatility.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – For a hearty and lean protein base.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Used to coat the chicken for a nice, golden-brown finish.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine – Adds a subtle, sophisticated flavor to the dish.
- 1/4 cup blue cheese (optional) – Provides a rich and creamy taste, though it’s omitted if preferred.
- 3 cups fresh asparagus – Cleaned and cut in half, offering a fresh and crunchy vegetable accompaniment.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup – Forms the savory base of the sauce.
Instructions
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Preheat and Prepare: Begin by heating a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil will help achieve a beautifully crisp exterior on the chicken breasts.
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Brown the Chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts in all-purpose flour, ensuring they are well-coated. Carefully place the floured chicken into the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. This process should only take a few minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a shallow 3-quart casserole dish, combine the blue cheese (if using), dry white wine, and the condensed cream of chicken soup. This mixture will create a creamy and flavorful sauce that infuses the chicken with delicious taste.
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Arrange the Chicken: Place the browned chicken breasts into the casserole dish with the soup mixture. Spoon some of the soup mixture over the top of each piece of chicken to ensure they are well-coated. This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish uncovered into a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
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Add the Asparagus: While the chicken is baking, prepare the asparagus by cleaning the spears and cutting them in half crosswise. After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the casserole dish from the oven. Arrange the asparagus between the pieces of chicken in the dish. The asparagus will cook alongside the chicken, absorbing the flavors from the sauce.
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Final Baking: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the asparagus is cooked to your liking.
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Serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or noodles, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Festive Chicken with Asparagus contains approximately:
- Calories: 282.3
- Fat: 18.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.7 grams
- Cholesterol: 54.7 milligrams
- Sodium: 458.9 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 8.9 grams
- Fiber: 1.7 grams
- Sugar: 1.8 grams
- Protein: 19.5 grams
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Options: If blue cheese isn’t to your taste, consider using another type of cheese or omitting it entirely. The dish will still be delicious with the creamy soup sauce.
- Vegetable Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables if asparagus isn’t available. Broccoli or green beans make excellent alternatives.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish goes beautifully with a simple side of steamed rice or noodles, but you can also serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
With its straightforward preparation and comforting flavors, this Festive Chicken with Asparagus is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this meal for a cozy family dinner or as a special treat for guests—either way, it’s bound to impress! 🎉🍽️
