Cheesy Chicken Asparagus Dream Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Asparagus Dream Casserole

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

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.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450

Fat:25g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:British

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper comfort food hug? Ever craved something cheesy and delicious? Well, get ready because this Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen.

This isn't just any casserole. It's a creamy, dreamy, cheesy experience that's like a warm blanket on a cold day.

The chicken asparagus casserole version we're diving into today is pure indulgence, taking cues from classic comfort eats but with a modern, mozzarella twist.

Casserole 101: What's the Fuss?

Casseroles are a time-honoured tradition, born out of the need to use leftovers and feed families. This particular recipe leans into Italian vibes.

It's a medium-effort dish that gives high rewards. Get ready to whip up this 6-serving wonder in under an hour – prep takes about 20 minutes, then it's 35 minutes in the oven, tops!

Why This Cheesy Chicken Asparagus Casserole Recipe Rocks

It’s proper delicious, obviously! But it also sneaks in some goodness. It's packed with protein from the chicken. Plus, asparagus brings in the vitamins.

Serve it up on a Sunday or even a busy weeknight. Honestly, you can't go wrong with a creamy chicken casserole with asparagus .

Grab Your Kit: Ingredients You'll Need

Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs! We're talking chicken, asparagus, onions, garlic. And, of course, loads of cheese for that glorious mozzarella chicken casserole topping.

Don’t skimp on the Casseroles With Asparagus . And don't forget the creamy sauce ingredients – butter, flour, chicken broth, cream, and a dash of thyme and nutmeg for that extra bit of magic.

Alright, let's get cracking and make some seriously tasty comfort food!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, let’s talk about what you'll need to make this Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella sensation. It's easier than you think.

Honestly, even if your kitchen skills are limited, you can nail this.

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

We’re making a cheesy chicken asparagus casserole recipe , so you know we gotta get these basics right.

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality ones, you know? The kind that actually taste like chicken.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Extra virgin is always a winner.
• Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup (150g) . Don't skimp. Onions are flavour bombs.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always.
• Asparagus: 1 lb (450g) , trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. Fresh, bright green asparagus is what you are aiming for. You know, the kind that snaps when you bend it.
• Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon pepper (plus more to taste). Go easy at first, you can always add more.
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted. Don't even think about using margarine.
• Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose. This is for thickening the sauce, yeah?
• Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml) , low sodium preferred. Why low sodium? So you can control the saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml) . This is what makes it creamy.
• Parmesan: 1/4 cup (30g) , grated. The proper stuff, not the powdery kind.
• Thyme: 1/4 teaspoon dried. Adds a touch of earthiness, really ties it together.
• Nutmeg: A pinch. Just a tiny bit, don't go crazy.
• Mozzarella: 8 oz (225g) , fresh, shredded. This stuff melts like a dream, making it the perfect Mozzarella chicken casserole .

Seasoning: Spice Up Your Life!

For creamy chicken casserole with asparagus , simple is key. Think:

• Classic combo: Salt, pepper, thyme. It's a winner.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic – don't rush these. Sauté them until they're fragrant.
• Flavour Boost: A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth. It's like a secret weapon.
• Swap It: No thyme? A bit of rosemary or oregano works too.

Equipment: Keep It Simple, Stupid

Here’s what you’ll actually need:

• Large Skillet: Or a Dutch oven, anything that can handle sautéing and simmering.
• 9x13 Inch Baking Dish: The classic casserole size.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Obvious, innit?
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Because eyeballing isn't always the best.
• Whisk: For smooth sauce action.

See? Nothing too fancy. You can probably find everything in your kitchen already. This easy chicken casserole recipes needs only the basics.

Now you have the info to get ready to cook Chicken asparagus bake with no fuzz!

Cheesy Chicken & Asparagus Dream Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Fancy a hug in a dish? This Cheesy Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella is just the ticket! It's proper comfort food, innit? Think tender chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and melty mozzarella all snuggled in a rich, savoury sauce.

It's like a posh chicken pot pie, but without all the fuss of making pastry. Honestly, even if your culinary skills peak at beans on toast (no judgement here!), you can nail this.

This Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella is a creamy, cheesy delight. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Alternatively, it can also serve as a cozy Sunday dinner.

It is reminiscent of classic British comfort food. It gets an Italian flair with the addition of mozzarella.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place

Alright, first things first: let's get our ducks in a row. This is also called mise en place . Chop your 1.

5 lbs of chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. Get that one medium onion and two cloves of garlic chopped and minced.

Trim and chop your 1 lb of asparagus. Shred your 8 oz of mozzarella. Honestly, pre-shredded cheese is fine if you're short on time, but freshly shredded really melts better.

Trust me on this one. This only take 20 minutes.

Safety first! Use a stable cutting board and keep your fingers out of the way.

Step-by-Step to Casserole Heaven

Here’s how to make your chicken casserole with asparagus :

1. Season the chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken until cooked through to an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) . Set aside.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the asparagus and cook until crisp-tender (about 3- 4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
4. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth until smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Add the chicken back to the skillet with the veggies and sauce. Combine well.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Top with the shredded mozzarella.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Then let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for a Cracking Casserole

Wanna take your casseroles with asparagus to the next level? Here's the tea: Don't overcook the asparagus! Honestly, nobody likes mushy asparagus.

Also, taste as you go! A little extra Parmesan never hurt anyone. If you are gluten-free you can use a gluten-free flour to make this creamy creamy chicken casserole with asparagus .

Common mistake? Overcrowding the pan when browning the chicken. This can steam your chicken instead of browning it. It’s better to brown in batches if your pan is on the smaller side.

So, there you have it! Your complete guide to making a champion Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella. Enjoy, my friend! You can thank me later!

Recipe Notes: Make it Your Own!

Right then, let's talk about customising this Chicken Casserole with Asparagus and Mozzarella. Honestly, this recipe is just a starting point.

Feel free to get creative and make it your own. I've made this creamy chicken casserole with asparagus loads of times.

You know what? Every time I make it a little different.

Serving Like a Pro

Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think rustic charm! Serve straight from the baking dish. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley.

A little grating of extra Parmesan never hurt anyone. You can even serve individual portions in ramekins for a fancy touch.

Complementary Sides or Beverages: A simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. Crusty bread is essential for mopping up that lovely sauce.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing elderflower cordial does the trick.

Sorted Storage Tips

Refrigeration Guidelines: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . Make sure they're in an airtight container.

Freezing Options (if applicable): Absolutely! This Chicken Casserole with Asparagus freezes brilliantly. Wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil. It'll keep for up to 3 months .

Reheating Instructions: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.

You can also microwave individual portions. Just be careful not to overcook it.

Cracking Variations

Dietary Adaptations: For a Keto Chicken Asparagus Casserole , use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. You could also skip the flour in the sauce and use a touch of xanthan gum to thicken it.

For a gluten-free version, just use a gluten-free flour blend. I made it for my cousin last Christmas who only eats Keto, and she said it was smashing!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Asparagus not in season? No worries! Broccoli or green beans work just as well in this Chicken casserole with vegetables .

You could even throw in some mushrooms for an earthy flavour.

Nutrition Basics

Right, a quick word on the healthy bits. This Chicken and asparagus bake is packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the asparagus.

The mozzarella adds a good dose of calcium. But, let's be honest, it's not exactly a health food. It's comfort food! Everything in moderation, eh?

Each serving contains roughly 450 calories, 40g of protein, 25g of fat, and 15g of carbohydrates. Remember, this is just an estimate.

Now go on, get cooking! This Easy Chicken Casserole recipes isn't just about following instructions. It's about having fun and creating something delicious. You got this!