Asparagus And Chicken Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, asparagus, and melted cheddar cheese in a flavorful curry and lemon sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shake Accent on chicken breasts.
- Sauté the chicken in corn oil for about 8 minutes and drain on paper towels.
- Drain the frozen or canned asparagus and place it in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Place the cooked chicken strips over the asparagus.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and curry powder together.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and asparagus.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding some garlic or onion powder to the chicken while sautéing. If you don't have corn oil, vegetable oil works as a great substitute. You can also swap the Cheddar cheese for Gruyère for a different taste. To make this dish lighter, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside Scalloped Potatoes Deluxe. A light white wine or iced tea can complement the flavors nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus And Chicken Casserole contains roughly 252 calories, with 3g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh asparagus instead of frozen or canned?
Yes, fresh asparagus can be used! Simply trim and cut the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, then blanch them in boiling water for about 3 minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will ensure they cook properly and retain their vibrant color and crunch.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Definitely! For a kick, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cream mixture before pouring it over the casserole. Alternatively, serve with a spicy salsa on the side for those who enjoy some heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).