Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Casserole: A Springtime Delight

Spring has sprung, and with it comes the vibrant green goodness of fresh asparagus! What better way to celebrate the season than with a comforting and delicious chicken and asparagus casserole? This recipe is a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family. It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, simplifying your weeknight dinner routine. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

## Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Asparagus Casserole

* **Flavorful and Fresh:** The combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and a creamy sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and refreshing.
* **Easy to Make:** This casserole comes together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** It’s an excellent way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This casserole is always a hit with family and friends.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable casserole. The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final result, so try to use fresh, high-quality products whenever possible.

* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
* **Asparagus:** 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. Look for firm, bright green stalks.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. This will be used to create a roux for the creamy sauce.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This thickens the sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
* **Milk:** 2 cups whole milk. Whole milk provides richness and creaminess to the sauce. You can use 2% milk, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup chicken broth. Enhances the savory flavor of the casserole.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces cream cheese, softened. Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce. Low-fat cream cheese can be used, but the flavor may be slightly different.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Provides a salty and nutty flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped. Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Optional Toppings:** Breadcrumbs, shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere), fresh herbs (parsley, thyme).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** This is the standard size for most casseroles. Make sure it’s oven-safe.
* **Large Skillet or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the sauce and vegetables.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing the asparagus, onion, and garlic.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Whisk:** For creating a smooth sauce.
* **Spatula or Spoon:** For stirring and combining ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying chicken and asparagus casserole.

**Step 1: Prepare the Asparagus**

* Wash the asparagus thoroughly under cold water.
* Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus stalks. You can usually tell where to snap them by bending the asparagus gently. It will naturally break at the point where it becomes tough.
* Cut the asparagus into 1-inch pieces.

**Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic**

* In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

**Step 3: Cook the Asparagus**

* Add the cut asparagus to the skillet with the onion and garlic.
* Cook until the asparagus is crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. You want the asparagus to be bright green and slightly softened but still have a bit of a bite.
* Remove the asparagus mixture from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce**

* In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
* Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce and prevent lumps.
* Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth.
* Add the chicken broth and continue whisking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
* Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

**Step 5: Assemble the Casserole**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, asparagus mixture, and creamy sauce. Stir gently to ensure everything is well combined.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.
* If desired, sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, or fresh herbs.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
* If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

**Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
* Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole is delicious on its own or served with a side salad, crusty bread, or rice.

## Tips and Variations

This chicken and asparagus casserole is a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to try:

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or broccoli.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses to add different flavors. Cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack would all be delicious.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the sauce gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
* **Add Some Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs to add different flavors. Thyme, rosemary, or oregano would all be delicious.
* **Make it Ahead of Time:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Use a Different Protein:** Instead of chicken, you can use turkey, ham, or even tofu.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Top the casserole with crushed crackers, potato chips, or fried onions for a crunchy texture.

## Serving Suggestions

This chicken and asparagus casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich and creamy casserole.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all good options for serving with the casserole.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes would be a delicious and healthy side dish.
* **Fruit Salad:** A light and refreshing fruit salad is a great way to end the meal.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.)

## Storing and Reheating

* **Storing:** Leftover chicken and asparagus casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

## Conclusion

This creamy chicken and asparagus casserole is a delightful dish that’s perfect for springtime or any time of year. With its fresh flavors, creamy texture, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!