Chicken and Asparagus Casserole Recipe
This Chicken and Asparagus Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook the asparagus:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until they are just tender but still crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the casserole mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble the casserole:
- Add the cooked chicken and sautéed asparagus to the casserole mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the chicken and asparagus are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add the topping:
- If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese over the breadcrumbs.
6. Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chicken and Asparagus Casserole with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad!
Tips for Success:
- Vegetable variations: You can substitute the asparagus with other vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini if you prefer.
- Make it lighter: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat versions of the sour cream, mayonnaise, and cream of chicken soup.
- Crispier topping: For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
This Chicken and Asparagus Casserole is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, with a slight crunch from the asparagus. It’s sure to become a new family favorite! Enjoy!
