Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup/150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb (450g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Chop all vegetables. Shred the mozzarella.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus and cook until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter in the same skillet. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables and sauce. Stir to combine.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.