Cheesy Chicken and Asparagus Bake

How to make it

1. 1

   Get your oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Grab a medium baking dish, something like an 8x8 inch square or a similar oval.

2. 2

   Pat your chicken thighs dry. If they are very thick, you might want to slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking. Arrange them in a single layer in your baking dish. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper if you like.

3. 3

   Trim the tough ends off your asparagus. You can just snap them where they naturally break. Scatter these lovely green spears around and over the chicken in the dish.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese with the minced garlic. A little salt and pepper here is good too. Spoon dollops of this creamy mixture over the chicken and asparagus.

5. 5

   Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.

6. 6

   After 20 minutes, pull the dish out. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over everything. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. 7

   Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes for a juicier dish. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!