Oven Baked Chicken and Asparagus

Fresh asparagus can be very expensive except in the early spring when it is in peak season. For an economical substitute, use frozen or canned asparagus instead of the fresh in this Oven Baked Chicken and Asparagus.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh asparagus

3 Tbsp water

2 cup chopped cooked chicken

1 (10-ounce) can cream of celery soup

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 tsp curry powder

1 tsp lemon juice

3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1 1/2 tsp butter or margarine, melted

1/3 cup slivered almonds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Arrange asparagus in a single layer in a microwave-safe dish. Add water; cover with plastic wrap, leaving one corner vented. Butter a large casserole.

2. Microwave asparagus for about 5 minutes on HIGH or until crisp-tender. Drain and reserve 7 spears. Layer remaining asparagus in prepared casserole.

3. Combine chicken, soup, mayonnaise and sour cream in a large bowl. Stir in curry powder and lemon juice. Spread over asparagus.

4. Top casserole with Cheddar and drizzle with butter. Sprinkle almonds over top. Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly. Arrange reserved asparagus in a decorative pattern.